Cologix (Cologix MIN5) Data Center

Cologix’s MIN5 facility expands the region’s capacity at the renowned 511 Building, the primary carrier hotel for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Strategically located in downtown Minneapolis, the data center serves as a critical gateway to the "Northern Route" reaching Seattle. Its location is highly accessible, situated just 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport with immediate access to I-35, I-94, I-394, and the local light rail. Furthermore, the facility offers peace of mind through its placement in Seismic Zone 0 and safely outside the 100-year flood zone.

The facility spans a 10,000-square-foot data center constructed of robust concrete and steel. To accommodate various business needs, MIN5 offers a customizable space configuration within a single data hall, featuring secure cabinets that can scale up to 52U. Clients can choose from several deployment options, including full or partial cabinets, private cages, and custom suites, all supported by ample onsite parking for easy physical access.

Power reliability is a cornerstone of the MIN5 infrastructure, boasting 1.5 MW of total power capacity. The facility is supported by three discrete power grids to ensure constant uptime. The electrical architecture utilizes a block redundant UPS system with a minimum of N+1 backup. To ensure business continuity, Cologix provides automated customer alerts if power consumption nears capacity, allowing for proactive scaling.

To maintain optimal operating temperatures for high-density hardware, MIN5 utilizes an efficient air-cooled chiller system paired with a fan wall. The climate control is managed via an N+1 HVAC configuration, ensuring that even during maintenance or equipment failure, the data hall remains at a consistent temperature. All environmental factors are monitored 24/7 to prevent any fluctuations that could impact hardware performance.

Security at the 511 Building is comprehensive and constant, featuring dual 24/7 onsite security personnel. The facility employs a multi-stage security system that integrates proximity biometric scanners and card access control systems to manage entry. This physical security is bolstered by a pervasive closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that monitors the premises around the clock.

The safety of the infrastructure is further protected by sophisticated fire detection and suppression systems. MIN5 utilizes in-room and cross-zoned VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) to catch potential issues before they escalate. In the event of an emergency, a dual-interlocked pre-action dry-pipe system provides targeted suppression while minimizing the risk of accidental water damage to sensitive electronics.

As the region's network hub, MIN5 offers access to over 300 unique networks within a Cologix-controlled Meet-Me-Room (MMR). This network-neutral environment is the home of the Midwest Internet Cooperative Exchange (MICE) and provides high-count dark fiber along the I-94 corridor. Additionally, the facility features direct cloud onramps to major providers, including Amazon Web Services® Direct Connect, Microsoft® Azure ExpressRoute, and Google Cloud Interconnect.

Cologix ensures that clients are never without assistance by providing 24/7 access to local engineers and specialized support teams. A 24x7x365 Network Operations Center (NOC) is always available via phone or email to resolve technical hurdles. For day-to-day management, customers can utilize a self-service online portal or request Remote Hands for onsite assistance with equipment and rack sharing.

To meet the rigorous demands of financial, healthcare, and enterprise clients, MIN5 adheres to a strict framework of global compliance standards. The facility maintains ISO 27001 Certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS) and undergoes annual SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 examinations. For specialized industries, the facility provides a HIPAA Assessment for healthcare data and PCI DSS Validation to ensure the secure processing of payment card information.