Few locations boast a history as transformative as 165 Halsey Street. Once a department store serving the Newark community, this iconic building has become one of the most connected and influential telecom carrier hotels in the world.
To learn about its remarkable journey from department store to data center carrier hotel, the datacenterHawk podcast recently dived deep into the 165 Halset story, exploring the factors that shaped its evolution and its impact on the digital industry.
The Evolution of 165 Halsey Street
The podcast, hosted by David Liggitt of datacenterHawk, takes listeners through the transformation of 165 Halsey Street, from its roots as a retail store to its current role as a premier carrier hotel. Situated in the heart of Newark, New Jersey, this historic building found new life as a hub for telecommunications and data exchange in the 1990s, aligning with the explosive growth of the internet.
By capitalizing on its strategic location and robust infrastructure, 165 Halsey became a go-to destination for carriers and enterprises seeking reliable, scalable and interconnected solutions. Today, the building hosts over 60 network operators and provides unmatched connectivity for tenants requiring access to multiple carriers and direct routes to major peering exchanges.
Why 165 Halsey Stands Out
The podcast highlights several key attributes that make 165 Halsey Street a standout in the data center industry including:
- Strategic Location: Situated close to New York City, 165 Halsey offers proximity to one of the world’s largest financial and business hubs while benefiting from the cost advantages of New Jersey.
- Carrier Neutrality: As a fully carrier-neutral facility, 165 Halsey empowers tenants to connect with the provider of their choice, offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability.
- Historical Significance: Its transformation from a department store into a global data center powerhouse exemplifies innovation and adaptability, showcasing how legacy buildings can evolve to meet modern technological demands.
- Unmatched Connectivity: With access to over 60 carriers and robust fiber infrastructure, 165 Halsey delivers high-performance connectivity for businesses across a range of industries, including finance, healthcare, media, and technology.
Insights from the Podcast
During the discussion, the podcast delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of managing a historic building like 165 Halsey. It explores the foresight of its owners in recognizing the building’s potential as a data center, the steps taken to create a carrier hotel environment, and the ongoing investments that ensure it remains a leader in connectivity and infrastructure.
Listeners also gain insights into how the building serves as a model for repurposing traditional structures to meet the demands of the digital age. From its impressive electrical and cooling systems to its emphasis on security and redundancy, 165 Halsey demonstrates how heritage and cutting-edge technology can coexist.
To dive deeper into this story, check out the full podcast on datacenterHawk here: