Google showcases $600M data center in Lenoir

Internet search and applications giant Google held a community celebration Wednesday to showcase its $600 million data center.

More than 2,000 people were expected to turn out for the event, which included a ribbon cutting. The public celebration was scheduled to last until 7 p.m.

The festivities featured live music, local barbecue, activities for the kids and other surprises, took place at the data center site, located at 708 Lynhaven Drive, Lenoir.

Google began construction on the data center more than 200 acres of land in Lenoir in January 2007.

When it's completed, the center is expected to serve as a major routing point for Internet information and applications requests along the east coast of the United States.

(Note: This story contains information from The News-Topic.)