Artificial intelligence is no longer in its proving phase. As we move into 2026, AI workloads are scaling faster, running hotter, and demanding far more from the infrastructure that supports them. What once defined AI success, basic readiness and availability, has given way to a new reality: performance at scale. This is why scaling AI matters in 2026.
For organizations deploying AI today, the challenge is no longer whether their infrastructure can support AI, but whether it can grow with it, efficiently, reliably and without constraint.
From AI Readiness to Scaling AI
Early AI deployments focused on access: securing space, power, and connectivity quickly enough to get workloads online. In 2026, the focus has shifted to sustainability and growth.
AI training clusters are becoming larger and more power-dense, while inference workloads are expanding closer to end users. Infrastructure must now support dynamic compute profiles, unpredictable growth patterns, and long-term expansion without forcing costly redesigns or relocations.
Scalable AI environments are built with flexibility at their core, designed to evolve as models, hardware and business needs change.
Power: The Defining Constraint of 2026
Power availability has emerged as one of the most significant challenges facing AI infrastructure nationwide. In many markets, utility delays, grid congestion and capacity limitations are slowing deployment timelines and restricting growth.
For AI operators, power is no longer simply a capacity number, it’s a strategic asset. High-density workloads demand power that can be delivered immediately, scaled incrementally, and supported by infrastructure capable of handling sustained load over time.
Facilities that can offer near-term power availability alongside long-term scalability are becoming increasingly critical as AI adoption accelerates.
Inference Is Reshaping Infrastructure Strategy
While training often dominates AI discussions, inference is rapidly influencing how and where AI infrastructure is deployed.
Inference workloads require low latency, proximity to networks, and reliable access to data. This shift places greater importance on carrier-dense environments where connectivity diversity and speed are built into the foundation of the facility.
As AI applications move into real-time use cases, infrastructure location and network ecosystems become just as critical as compute capacity.
Why Location Still Matters
Despite rapid technological change, geography remains a decisive factor in AI infrastructure success.
Many regions are now facing power constraints that limit expansion or push deployment timelines years into the future. Markets that combine power availability with dense connectivity are increasingly rare and increasingly valuable.
Choosing the right location can mean the difference between scaling smoothly and hitting a hard ceiling.
Positioned for the Next Phase of AI
At 165 Halsey Street, we continue to support organizations navigating the realities of AI growth with immediate power availability, robust connectivity, scaling AI and flexible infrastructure designed for high-density environments.
While other regions grapple with power scarcity and limited expansion options, 165 Halsey Street offers custom shell space and scalable colocation solutions that allow AI workloads to grow without compromise. Our position within one of the most network-dense buildings in North America ensures the low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity required for both training and inference at scale.
As AI enters its next phase, infrastructure decisions will shape what’s possible. By addressing the power, cooling, and connectivity challenges defining 2026, 165 Halsey Street remains committed to educating the market and delivering the foundation AI needs to move forward with confidence. Learn more about the data center trends to watch in 2026 and discover how 165 Halsey handles data management with more than 1,650 cabinets offering unmatched data center availability. Contact us today and learn more about our connectivity solutions catered for your business needs,