Constructing 100 MW of AI Infrastructure: How Applied Digital Built for the Future in Ellendale

As demand for artificial intelligence continues to soar, the AI infrastructure needed to power it is scaling just as rapidly. A 2024 report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that global spending on AI infrastructure will exceed $200 billion by 2028, driven by an explosion in compute-heavy applications like large language models and real-time inference systems. AI workloads are reshaping how and where data centers are built—and how fast they must come online.

So what does it take to construct a 100 MW AI data center—at speed, in a remote location, and with the future of AI in mind?

This episode of Architects of Acceleration, hosted by Philbert Shih (Founder and Managing Director, Structure Research), dives into that very question. Philbert is joined by Brad Barton (EVP of Development, Applied Digital), Derek Hoeschen (Project Executive, McGough Construction), and Chris Schuler (Owner, Century Builders) to unpack the planning, execution, and coordination behind Applied Digital’s bold Ellendale campus build in North Dakota.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid Build, Rural Location – The Ellendale site went from wetland to a functioning 100 MW campus in under a year. Strategic use of off-site prefabrication, a multi-contractor approach, and winter-hardened construction tactics made it possible.

• Purpose-Built for AI – Unlike traditional data centers, this facility is engineered for high-density, liquid-cooled AI workloads, supporting floor loads of 400 lbs/sq ft and accommodating 1,500 pieces of specialized equipment.

• Community-Centric Construction – Applied Digital prioritized community integration from the start, coordinating with local leaders, investing in area businesses, and providing housing and infrastructure to support over 600 workers in a town of just 900 people.

Brad Barton is a seasoned construction and real estate development leader with over a decade of experience delivering large-scale data center and commercial projects. He currently serves as Vice President of Construction at Applied Digital, where he leads high-impact builds in the digital infrastructure sector. His previous roles at DPR Construction and Stream Data Centers highlight his expertise in design management, MEP systems, and mission-critical facility execution..

Derek Hoeschen is a veteran construction leader with over 25 years of experience spanning roles from tradesperson to executive. He has led major projects across sectors such as data centers, government, industrial, and hospitality, with expertise in contract administration, project planning, and team leadership. Currently serving as Project Executive at McGough, Derek is recognized for delivering complex national builds with precision in scheduling, budgeting, and execution.

Christopher Schuler is the Owner and CEO of Century Builders, a general contracting firm specializing in commercial and residential construction. He led the team that built the precast concrete shell for Applied Digital’s 100 MW high-performance computing facility in North Dakota. Schuler is recognized for his expertise in coordinating local trades and delivering complex infrastructure projects on tight timelines.