ST. LOUIS - A real estate investor plans to convert the Armory complex in Midtown into a data center.

According to our partners at the Post Dispatch, Rod Thomas of Creve Coeur-based Tri-Star Properties has signed an option to buy the Armory for $25 million. In addition to converting the Armory, Thomas has filed plans to construct a second data center on the Armory's parking lot.

Thomas is expected to present his proposals at a city hearing on Thursday, where further details and potential impacts of the project may be discussed.

Critics have expressed concerns that the new facilities could lead to increased energy bills and strain local water supplies. Last month, nearby St. Charles issued a one-year moratorium on data center projects to address such concerns.

Previously, St. Louis Mayo

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