Harwood's Polaris Forge 2 moves toward interior trade work

Applied Digital reported on April 8 that foundations were largely complete at Polaris Forge 2 near Harwood, North Dakota. Work was shifting toward precast erection as mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades mobilized for interior fit-out.

That is a more useful construction milestone than the site's capacity announcement. It identifies the work transition that brings building-system crews into the schedule.

What the owner reported

The April filing describes a $3 billion campus with 200 MW of critical IT load. Groundbreaking took place in August 2025. It anticipated initial capacity in 2026 and full capacity by early 2027.

The same report confirms completion of a $2.15 billion private debt offering to support development and construction. The July update continued to list Polaris Forge 2 among campuses in construction.

The April dates remain owner targets. These reports do not establish that a specific Harwood building is ready for service as of October 1.

Why interior readiness matters

An interior fit-out requires more detail than a campus-wide start date. Electrical and controls firms need building areas released for work, equipment arrival dates and the sequence for energization. Communications firms need usable pathways and a schedule that separates permanent installation from temporary construction needs.

Before assigning workers, ask which building and phase the order covers. Establish whether material handling, testing and startup support are included in the labor scope. A broad promise of “data center work” leaves those costs unresolved.

The two buildings can also reach different stages at different times. A worker offered a job should get the actual assignment and expected duration, rather than infer a year of employment from the full-campus completion target.

Do not transfer Ellendale numbers to Harwood

Polaris Forge 2 is separate from Applied Digital's Ellendale campus. The April filing's figure of 1,200 craft professionals describes work at Polaris Forge 1. It is not a Harwood headcount and should not become a Harwood hiring claim.

The sources identify a financed project and a documented transition into interior trades. They do not disclose current project wages or remaining awards. Use the North Dakota pay report when comparing a specific offer.