Cologix (Cologix MIN3) Data Center

Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the Cologix MIN3 data center serves as a critical infrastructure hub within the renowned 511 Building. As the most connected building in Minnesota and a primary "carrier hotel," this facility acts as the central network gateway for the Upper Midwest and the vital "Northern Route" to Seattle. Its strategic location is just 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, offering easy access to major interstates and the light rail. Furthermore, the facility provides significant financial advantages, as it qualifies for Minnesota’s sales tax incentive program, offering meaningful savings for colocation customers.

The 28,000 sq.f data center is a reinforced concrete and steel structure designed for maximum durability. It features a high floor load capacity of 225 lbs/sq. ft. and is situated in Seismic Zone 0, entirely outside the 100-year flood zone. Customers can choose from a variety of space configurations, including full or partial cabinets, shared rack space, private cages, and custom suites. The facility is equipped with deep 42U cabinets to accommodate modern hardware, all supported by a site that offers ample parking and ease of access for technical teams.

Redundancy is a core feature of the MIN3 power architecture, which draws from three discrete power grids to ensure continuous uptime. The facility utilizes N or 2N uninterruptible power systems (UPS) coupled with 2N generators for emergency backup. Reliability is further enhanced by N+1 automatic transfer switches (ATS) with isolation bypass capabilities. This multi-layered approach to power ensures that critical workloads remain online even during significant external grid fluctuations or maintenance windows.

To maintain optimal operating temperatures for high-density equipment, the data center employs a 600-ton cooling system. This infrastructure includes chilled water systems, chillers, and pumps configured at N+1 redundancy. Perimeter computer room air handlers (CRAHs) manage airflow, while ultrasonic humidification maintains precise environmental conditions. A unique feature of this site is the redundant well backup located onsite, providing an additional layer of cooling security that is independent of municipal water supplies.

Security at the 511 Building is handled through a dual-layered approach involving both building-wide and Cologix-specific 24/7 onsite personnel. Entry is restricted via a tailgate-proof mantrap that requires both S2 keycard access and biometric authentication. The entire perimeter is monitored by a comprehensive CCTV system, and dedicated cages can be further customized with additional security measures. For fire protection, the facility uses cross-zoned VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) and a dual-interlocked pre-action dry-pipe system to prevent accidental water damage to equipment.

As a network-neutral facility, MIN3 provides access to over 75 unique networks within the Cologix-controlled Meet-Me-Room (MMR). It is the proud home of the Midwest Internet Cooperative Exchange (MICE) and offers two diverse communication risers. For businesses requiring high-speed regional transport, the facility features high count dark fiber along the I 94 corridor extending to the Wisconsin border. With 24 peering networks and multiple internet exchange points, it is the premier destination for low latency cloud onramps and carrier interconnection.

Cologix provides comprehensive support through a 24/7/365 Network Operations Center (NOC) and onsite local engineers. Clients have full visibility into their infrastructure via the Cologix Command DCIM portal, which monitors environmental and power metrics in real-time. This system includes proactive alerting to warn customers when they are nearing power capacity, ensuring business continuity. Additionally, "Remote Hands" services are available to assist with physical hardware tasks, providing expert support for clients who are not physically present at the site.

To meet the rigorous demands of enterprise, healthcare, and financial clients, the MIN3 data center adheres to the highest industry standards for data safety and operational excellence. The facility maintains ISO 27001 Certification and has undergone HIPAA Assessments for healthcare data privacy. Furthermore, it holds SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 reports, along with PCI DSS Validation for secure payment card processing. These certifications ensure that the facility operates with transparent, audited controls that protect sensitive data and meet global regulatory requirements.