OpenAI has officially commenced construction on The Barn, a 1GW data center campus in Saline, Michigan, with key partners including Related Digital, Oracle, Walbridge, and Blackstone. This significant project is anticipated to generate $1 billion in tax revenue over its lease term and create over 2,500 union construction jobs along with 450 permanent onsite positions. While the project moves forward, it has faced scrutiny from residents concerned about land use and environmental impacts in the rural township. Additionally, the partnership has pledged $10 million towards enhancing the Saline Recreation Center, contributing to the community amid development efforts tied to OpenAI’s larger initiative to expand AI computing across the U.S.
OpenAI: OpenAI develops advanced artificial intelligence systems and models for a range of applications. The company is advancing its Stargate AI infrastructure initiative through a major data center campus in Saline, Michigan, in partnership with Oracle and Related Digital. Recent reports from May 2026 note that local opposition has not halted construction progress on the project.
Oracle: Oracle provides cloud infrastructure and enterprise software solutions to organizations worldwide. It is collaborating with OpenAI on the Stargate project and will operate the Saline data center campus once complete. Recent updates confirm Oracle’s role in powering the AI-focused facility in Michigan.
Walbridge: Walbridge is a Detroit-based construction firm specializing in large-scale commercial and industrial projects. It serves as the general contractor for the Saline Township data center, which represents the largest undertaking in the company’s 110-year history. As of May 2026, the firm reported significant progress on the build.
Blackstone: Blackstone is a global alternative asset manager with extensive investments across real estate, infrastructure, and technology sectors. Through affiliated funds, it has committed equity to support financing for the Saline data center project developed by Related Digital. The firm continues to expand its data center and AI-related portfolio amid growing infrastructure needs.
Related Digital: Related Digital is a vertically integrated data center development and investment platform. It is leading development of the Saline Township data center campus purpose-built for Oracle and OpenAI as part of the Stargate effort. In April 2026, the firm announced that financing had been secured for the project with equity participation from Blackstone-affiliated funds.
Local Development: The data center campus is advancing despite resident concerns over land use and environmental effects in the rural Michigan township.
Investment Partnership: Equity contributions from Related Digital and Blackstone-affiliated funds helped close financing for the campus in spring 2026.
Infrastructure Initiative: The Saline project forms part of OpenAI’s broader Stargate collaboration with Oracle to expand AI computing capacity across the United States.