Industry Veteran Brings Decades of Experience in Real Estate and Data Center
Development, Leasing, and Investment
CHICAGO, IL – August 08, 2024 – Metro Edge Development Partners (Metro Edge), a
commercial real estate development firm and minority business enterprise (MBE), today
announced the appointment of Laurance Lewis to its Advisory Board. Lewis brings more than 30
years of experience in real estate law, development, investment, and private equity to Metro
Edge’s leadership team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laurence Lewis to our Advisory Board,” said Craig Huffman, Co-
Founder and CEO of Metro Edge Development Partners. “His extensive background in
commercial real estate and technology-driven developments aligns perfectly with our mission to
pursue high-quality investments that deliver exceptional results while creating meaningful
growth opportunities in underserved communities.”
Lewis has a proven track record of success in identifying and executing complex real estate
projects, particularly in urban areas. His expertise will be invaluable as Metro Edge continues to
focus on data centers and technology-oriented developments in primarily urban locations
nationwide. Lewis has worked in the data center, telecommunications, and commercial real
estate sectors for more than 20 years.
Most recently, Mr. Lewis held the role of Chief Commercial Officer for AVAIO Digital Partners, a
hyperscale Data Center campus developer with a focus on renewable energy. Lewis previously
served as Principal/Director and Regional Lead of Site Selection & Acquisition for Microsoft
Corporation. During his tenure, he executed more than $6 billion in hyperscale data center
leases across North America and Europe. He also led the Government and Sovereign data
center leasing program in the Americas and managed the global Edge Data Center leasing
program. Additionally, Lewis was the Chicago community lead on the Microsoft Data Center
Community Development team, advising on state and local incentives, affordable broadband,
environmental sustainability, and workforce development matters.
“I’m honored to join the Advisory Board of Metro Edge Development Partners,” said Lewis. “The
company’s commitment to combining profitable investments with positive social impact is truly
inspiring. I look forward to contributing to Metro Edge’s growth and helping to create
sustainable, technology-driven developments that benefit users, investors and local
communities.”
Lewis’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Metro Edge, including the ongoing
development of its flagship IMD1 data center in the Illinois Medical District (IMD) of Chicago.
The state-of-the-art facility, with 50 MW of power committed from ComEd, is designed to
support high-capacity, high-speed digital infrastructure solutions, primarily for AI, ML, and other
high-performance computing applications.