Can Data Centers Help Cure Urban Decay?

Is it possible that the ever-increasing demand for data center space could be the cure for vacant commercial real estate plaguing cities?

Whether or not they meet a purist definition of urban decay, vacant commercial buildings certainly are eyesores and economic drains on their surrounding areas. And the problem appears to be growing nationwide. In some cities, however, data center operators are buying up vacant real estate to house new operations and helping revitalize those areas as a result. If carried out on a national basis, this trend seems like it could have significantly positive economic effects.