Plano took a major step toward expanding its economic base on November 12 when AT&T officially broke ground on a $1.35 billion global headquarters. The new campus will rise on the 54‑acre former Electronic Data Systems (EDS) site at 5400 Legacy Drive, consolidating AT&T offices currently scattered across Dallas, Plano and Irving into a single, state‑of‑the‑art complex.
Project scope and timeline
When finished, the development will span roughly 2 million square feet and accommodate approximately 10,000 employees, making it one of the largest employment centers in the region. AT&T expects the first staff to move in during the second half of 2028. The groundbreaking ceremony featured AT&T executives, Plano Mayor John Muns, KDC Development President Eric Hage, Gensler Principal Scott Armstrong and CBRE Vice Chairman Andy Leatherman.
City partnership and incentives
Plano approved an incentive package worth up to $20 million, tied to specific capital‑investment and job‑creation milestones. The agreement also includes a long‑term property‑tax rebate that will be awarded only if AT&T meets performance targets for redevelopment, investment and employment. Mayor Muns called the project “a significant investment in our community” that reinforces Plano’s reputation as a place where businesses can grow and succeed.
Environmental stewardship
KDC Development emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainability. Materials from the demolished EDS buildings are being salvaged: roughly 18,000 tons of structural steel and more than 220,000 tons of concrete will be recycled. Mature live oak trees on the site are also being saved for replanting throughout the new campus. The new construction will require about 5,300 tons of structural steel—an amount comparable to the weight of 24 Statues of Liberty—and enough concrete to fill 80 Olympic‑size swimming pools, along with over 1 million square feet of glass.
Economic impact
The consolidation is expected to generate a substantial boost to local employment and ancillary businesses. By bringing thousands of workers onto a single site, the campus will increase demand for retail, dining and service providers in the surrounding area. The project also signals confidence in Plano’s business climate, encouraging further private investment and reinforcing the city’s strategic vision for growth.
Community benefits
Beyond jobs, AT&T’s leadership highlighted the campus’s role in fostering collaboration and serving customers for decades to come. The company’s Chairman and CEO John Stankey noted that the new environment will “make life better” for both employees and the surrounding community, underscoring a long‑term commitment to Plano’s prosperity.
Overall, the AT&T headquarters represents a landmark development for the city, blending economic ambition with responsible stewardship of the site’s legacy resources.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
