How McCarthy’s Vantage Data Centers NV1 Team is Shaping the Future of Mission Critical Construction

In the hills outside Reno, Nevada, we’re building a state-of-the-art data center campus and so much more — we’re building something people can be proud of. Whether it’s our employee owners, trade partners, or clients, everyone’s bringing their best to the project.  The Vantage Data Centers NV1 development spans 137 acres and sits on a 30-acre building pad, about 5,500 feet above sea level — where you might catch wild horses or bighorn sheep wandering by. There are four buildings and a projected capacity of 224 megawatts — a testament to what happens when every McCarthy employee is fully committed to the project’s success.

McCarthy is an employee-owned company, and this ownership means our employees approach NV1 with the responsibility, transparency and commitment that comes with being owners. Because at McCarthy, employee ownership isn’t just a business model — it’s a mindset. And on NV1, that mindset is driving results for our client, industry partners, workforce and the surrounding community.

A Critical Project with High Stakes

From the start, NV1 stood out.  “It’s exciting, it’s fast, and it’s for one of our most important clients," said Blake Mickle, McCarthy senior project manager. "We can’t fail.” 

Getting here has taken serious effort: over 805,000 labor hours to date, with a safety record our team’s proud of — a Total Project Incident Rate (TPIR) of just 0.25. The amount of earthwork alone is staggering: the crews moved a lot of soil and blasted through a significant amount of rock. 

The scale and level of difficulty of the project demanded total commitment. With over 700 people on site on any given day — working weekends, night shifts, and rotating schedules — the team’s dedication was evident. But what truly set NV1 apart was the level of buy-in from every corner of the company.

One Company, One Team

When an employee thinks like an owner, they are continually striving to work together to deliver great experiences for everyone. Teams from Arizona, Northern California, and beyond brought their expertise, lessons learned, and best practices to the table. 

As the builder for both Vantage’s Arizona (AZ1) campus and the NV1 project, we were able to carry forward client-specific insights. The Arizona campus became a key resource, with our team members traveling there to walk the site, connect with peers, and bring back knowledge — not because they were required to, but because they saw the value in learning from one another to deliver a better project outcome.

This company-wide collaboration created a network of support that extended far beyond Reno. It wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about building a culture of shared success.

Ownership in Action

The ownership mindset showed up in countless ways. From creative solutions like forming footings above grade to avoid delays, to coordinating complex equipment logistics with trade partners, the team consistently found innovative ways to move the project forward.

And when challenges arose, like late equipment deliveries or unstable soil, the team didn’t wait for someone else to fix it. They held one another accountable, trusted each other and adapted, to keep the job on track.

Celebrating Wins, Big and Small

Recognition is woven into the fabric of NV1. Every week, the team ends their staff and owner meetings with “Project Wins” — a moment to celebrate everything from topping out steel to someone stepping up for a graveyard shift.

“It can be big wins, silly wins, people wins,” said Mickle. “It’s about giving people a voice and acknowledging the effort.”

This culture of appreciation fuels morale and reinforces the sense of ownership. People want to be here,  and they’re proud of what they’re building.

Investing in People

McCarthy’s commitment to learning and development is another key driver of success. From peer group trainings to leadership development programs, employees are continuously growing.

“We invest in our people. We send them to other campuses, we train them in-house, and we make sure they’re set up to succeed,” Mickle explained.

This investment doesn’t go unnoticed. New employees and trade partners often comment on how different McCarthy feels and how deeply seriously the company takes its people, which translates into better outcomes on the job. “You start interacting with people who haven’t worked for McCarthy, who have been with other companies, and they go, ‘Oh wow, you guys’ kind of take this seriously,” Mickle noted.

Looking Ahead

With global data-center construction projected to reach about US $450 billion by 2030¹, NV1 is more than just a project — it’s a blueprint for the future. McCarthy’s Mission Critical team is leading the charge, and NV1 is helping set the standard.

“We’re creating something new, and we’re doing it together,” said Mickle.

That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of what comes next. As demand for reliable digital infrastructure continues to grow, we’re using our experience and strong partnerships, like the work we’re doing with Vantage, to deliver facilities that push the limits of performance and sustainability. From integrating cleaner energy to engaging with local communities, we’re supporting our clients’ evolving needs and creating lasting value for McCarthy.

NV1 is just one example the success of the McCarthy ownership mindset in action, and we’re ready to take on what’s next to help shape the future of data centers.

Conclusion

The NV1 project is a great example of when employees are owners, they show up differently. They care more, solve faster, and build better. From the rocky terrain of Reno to the cutting-edge equipment inside, every inch of NV1 reflects the pride, passion, and partnership of McCarthy’s people.

_{1. Data Center Construction Market (2025 - 2030), https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/data-center-constru…}