Data has become the world’s most valuable commodity. Every click, purchase, medical record, and message creates it. Protecting that information is no longer just a priority for governments, it’s now a driving concern for businesses, tech entrepreneurs, and investors.
That’s why decommissioned Cold War facilities, once designed to shield nuclear weapons, are being repurposed into some of the most secure data centers in the world.
And one of the most compelling opportunities is the Washington Missile Base.
Why Underground Works for Data
Natural Protection
Atlas missile sites were built to endure. Reinforced concrete, steel blast doors, and deep underground tunnels create a level of physical resilience that standard warehouses can’t match.
Climate Control
Cooling accounts for up to 40 percent of data center energy use. Underground environments naturally stay at stable temperatures, reducing the need for constant air conditioning and helping lower operational costs.
Security
Above-ground buildings face threats from storms, intrusions, and visibility. Underground facilities have limited entry points, making them far easier to monitor and defend.
Space to Grow
Unlike crowded city properties, bunkers offer vast square footage that can be configured for server racks, fiber connections, or hybrid commercial use.
Global Examples of Bunker Data Centers
The trend is already well underway:
Iron Mountain, Pennsylvania. A vast former limestone mine turned into a 1.8-million-square-foot data storage facility. It houses critical government and corporate archives, all secured underground. Inside ‘The Underground’ | Iron Mountain United States
Pionen, Sweden. A former Cold War bunker carved into granite now hosts one of Europe’s most famous data centers. It’s designed to withstand a hydrogen bomb strike and is home to major clients, including parts of Wikipedia. Pionen: Inside the world’s most secure data centre | Data Centre Magazine
The Bunker, UK. A pair of nuclear bunkers now host a Tier III+ data center offering ultra-secure hosting to businesses needing absolute resilience.The Bunker, Kent – Data centre – Colo-X
These examples prove that underground infrastructure is already a proven solution for the future of data protection.
The Market Opportunity
The demand for secure data storage is exploding:
The global data center market is projected to hit USD 517.17 billion by 2030, growing from USD 187.35 billion in 2020 Data Center Market Size, Share, Growth & Forecast – 2030
The data center cooling segment alone is seeing strong growth: as of 2024, its market size was about USD 22.13 billion, and it’s forecasted to reach around USD 56.15 billion by 2030 Data Center Cooling Market Size | Industry Report, 2030
Cybersecurity and protection spending is also rising. Gartner forecasts global spending on information security will top USD 213 billion in 2025 Gartner Forecasts $213 billion in 2025 Security Spending – The National CIO Review
Data generation is exploding. Some estimates say global data storage will exceed 200 zettabytes by 2025 The World Will Store 200 Zettabytes Of Data By 2025
IDC’s “Data Age 2025” report projects 163 zettabytes of digital data created worldwide by 2025 By 2025, IDC predicts that the total amount of digital data created worldwide will rise to 163 zettabytes, ballooned by the growing number of devices and sensors – Data Ideology
For investors, that means more businesses, governments, and institutions are looking for safe, secure, and energy-smart locations to house their digital lifeblood. Underground facilities like missile bases are rare, ready-made options in a booming market.
The Washington Missile Base Advantage
This fully intact Atlas E missile site near Sprague, WA, offers the same potential with the added benefit of location and adaptability.
Over 15,000 sq ft of dry, reinforced underground space
Concrete tunnels, steel blast doors, and above-ground access
Power and zoning flexibility for private or commercial use
Located just off I-90, near Spokane
It also includes a three-bedroom home on the 24.5-acre surface property, providing immediate livability alongside commercial potential.
Why It’s Newsworthy
Cold War infrastructure meets modern concerns about data security and resilience
Already featured in the Seattle Times
Strong visuals: bunker doors, reinforced tunnels, multi-level underground rooms
Massive engagement online, with thousands of video views and social shares
A Rare Chance to Secure the Future
The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, it’s data. And just as missile silos once protected America’s most powerful weapons, they may now guard the digital lifeblood of the 21st century.
For a buyer with vision, the Washington Missile Base represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform Cold War infrastructure into a modern fortress for privacy, security, and resilience.