Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The transformation of the Eastgate Mall by Lifeline Data Centers

Thanks to all for the e-mails, notes and phone calls of congratulations regarding Lifeline's new data center and office facility in the former Eastgate mall. We've received national press coverage in IT and real estate publications. Interest is high.

Work progresses well as we have removed about 10 40-ton dumpsters of trash with another 20 or so dumpsters to go. Job one is converting the old Burlington Coat Factory into hardened computer room facilities. We will have that data center space available in November 2008.

We are also refitting much of the mall into low cost office space for clients who maintain data center space with us. If your company needs quality computer room facilities and you could use office space as well, give us a call. If your company is running out of space and you need to move your IT folks along with your equipment, Lifeline may be a great solution.

Thanks also to all the neighborhood groups who have been so supportive throughout this project. We'll have an open house in the fourth quarter so you'll be able to see what's going on at the old mall.

Lifeline Data Centers completes purchase of the Eastgate Consumer Mall

Indianapolis, Indiana - Lifeline Data Centers announced today the completion of the purchase of the former Eastgate Consumer Mall in Indianapolis. Lifeline will transform the 40-acre, 370,000 square foot former retail mall into 450,000 square feet of data center space supported by 200,000 square feet of office space. The acquisition is a partnership between the principles of Lifeline Data Centers and Marvin Slomowitz, President of Mark Development in Kingston, PA.

Alex Carroll, co-owner of Lifeline, said, "Businesses across the nation have a new alternative for large scale data center space. Lifeline Data Centers can now provide computer data center facilities, office space, and access to the major telecommunications carriers. Indianapolis offers a central geographic location, some of the lowest power rates in the nation, a favorable construction climate and the most affordable housing in the top fifty markets. Whether companies are looking for a primary data center location or a disaster recovery site, Lifeline's new Indianapolis facility is an excellent choice."

Industry trends show that both large and small companies continue to outsource their computer data center facilities. Based on a recent study conducted by Trinity Information Systems, half of all data centers will relocate or outsource some of their computer applications in the next five years. American Power Conversion (APC) believes that in the next five years, 90% of all companies will experience at least one interruption in computer operations because of power limitations, power faults, or power availability. Companies that outsource the facilities side of their computer operations can significantly reduce these risks.

Lifeline's first phase of the build out includes fourth quarter 2008 availability of 60,000 square feet of data center floor space inside the former mall. The remaining mall space will be refit as customized office space for data center clients' Information Technology staff and employees. Lifeline will build free-standing tornado resistant-buildings to bring the total data center space to 450,000 square feet. Rich Banta, co-owner of Lifeline, said "Lifeline builds all hardened data center facilities to the Uptime Institute Hybrid Tier IV and TIA-942 specifications. There are no single points of failure for power, cooling, or data connectivity." Lifeline also plans a green campus environment by employing hydrogen-assisted diesel generators, reflective roof technologies, returning of old parking lots to green space, as well as implementing innovative HVAC technologies.

Greg Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis, commented "We are confident that Lifeline will make an excellent corporate neighbor since their goal is to rebuild the grounds by restoring the mall structure, removing most of the parking lot and returning it to green space, bringing high-tech jobs to the area, and building new structures that will add more tax base to the Warren Township area."

Lifeline secured financing for this expansion from M&I Bank in Indianapolis. "M&I Bank is excited to be involved in this project. Lifeline Data Centers has been a valued customer of our bank and we expect an overwhelming success," stated Tim Massey, Executive Vice President of M&I Bank.

About Lifeline Data Centers:
Lifeline Data Centers, LLC is an Indianapolis based company that provides computer room facilities for public, private and government clients. Lifeline provides the highest quality hardened data center facilities, access to multiple telecommunications providers, and technology office space. Clients use Lifeline to protect their primary and backup computer systems, and to avoid the costs of building their own computer room facilities. Lifeline also provides managed services including remote backup, regular maintenance and emergency services.