Plano residents will get a first look at the next phase of the former Electronic Data Systems campus, slated to become AT&T’s new global headquarters. The telecom giant is holding a private event on Nov. 12 to mark the installation of the campus’s inaugural fiber connection and to unveil early design concepts.
Local impact and job creation
The 2‑million‑square‑foot site at 5400 Legacy Drive has sat vacant for roughly seven years. AT&T says the redevelopment will eventually house about 10,000 employees, consolidating operations currently spread across Dallas, Plano and Irving. The move restores a centralized headquarters campus for a company whose workforce has become increasingly dispersed over the past two decades.
“The nature of the company and our work have both evolved significantly since we moved our headquarters to Dallas in 2008, but what hasn’t changed is our belief and confidence in the Dallas‑Fort Worth Metroplex as the right place to operate a thriving multinational corporation,” said AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey when the relocation was announced. He added that the company is targeting partial occupancy as early as the second half of 2028.
City incentives and partnership
Plano has approved an incentive package worth up to $20 million, tied to 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 specific redevelopment, investment and employment targets. City officials view the partnership as a catalyst for further economic growth in the region.
Future campus features
In May, the Plano City Council unanimously approved rezoning for a 1.4‑acre tract that will host a plaza and a 280‑foot tower. The tower, which will display AT&T’s globe logo at its peak, is designed as a stealth antenna support structure—its antennas will be concealed within the building rather than exposed like a traditional cell tower. Stankey described the tower as “an iconic landmark delivering world‑class cell coverage to the campus and our new home neighborhood.”
Beyond the tower, the redevelopment plan includes modern office spaces, collaborative work environments, and state‑of‑the‑art connectivity infrastructure. While detailed campus designs have not been released, the event on Nov. 12 will provide a glimpse of the vision.
Community response
Local business leaders and residents have expressed optimism that the project will boost Plano’s corporate landscape and generate ancillary economic activity. The city’s commitment of millions in incentives reflects confidence that the headquarters will attract additional investment and reinforce Plano’s reputation as a hub for high‑tech and telecommunications firms.
As construction progresses, the project is expected to create construction jobs in the short term and a broad range of professional positions once the campus becomes operational. The development underscores Plano’s ongoing strategy to attract and retain major employers, reinforcing the city’s economic vitality for years to come.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
