Plano’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted on September 21 to approve the final site plan for AT&T’s new corporate headquarters. The decision moves the $1.35 billion development—located on the former Electronic Data Systems campus near Legacy Drive and Parkwood Boulevard—closer to breaking ground.
Project scope and timeline
The campus will cover roughly 54 acres and include at least 2 million square feet of office, retail and amenity space. AT&T expects to begin partially occupying the site in the second half of 2028, consolidating administrative functions currently spread across Dallas, Plano and Irving.
Economic incentives and job commitments
Plano approved two economic‑development agreements earlier this year. One provides a grant; the other offers tax rebates tied to performance benchmarks. Under the agreements, AT&T has pledged to transfer, retain or create up to 10,000 full‑time job equivalents in Plano over the life of the project.
The incentives are performance‑based, meaning the company must meet specific development and employment milestones before receiving the benefits.
Signature tower and design details
A distinctive sculptural communications tower will rise near the intersection of Legacy Drive and Parkwood Boulevard. City records show the structure may reach a maximum height of 280 feet, with all antennas concealed inside the tower to preserve the visual character of the site.
Plano Planning Director Christina Day emphasized that the tower’s communications equipment must be fully integrated, not visibly mounted, and that the overall design must remain substantially consistent with the concept presented to the city.
Construction progress
The transformation of the property became evident in August when crews demolished the former EDS headquarters in a controlled implosion. The blast cleared a large portion of the campus for redevelopment and generated a dust cloud that residents reported feeling miles away.
Founded by Texas businessman Ross Perot, EDS helped establish Plano’s Legacy corridor as a hub for major corporate campuses. AT&T now aims to add its own mark to the area.
Community impact
Local officials see the project as a catalyst for economic growth, reinforcing Plano’s reputation as a destination for high‑tech and telecommunications firms. The development is expected to generate significant tax revenue, increase demand for local services, and provide new employment opportunities for residents.
While some community members have voiced concerns about traffic and infrastructure, city leaders note that the economic‑development agreements include provisions for infrastructure improvements to accommodate the increased activity.
Next steps
With the site‑plan approval secured, AT&T will move forward with detailed engineering, permitting and construction scheduling. The company’s commitment to a phased occupancy beginning in late 2028 signals a steady rollout that aligns with Plano’s long‑term growth strategy.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
