Richardson city officials announced a major partnership to expand AT&T’s Lakeside campus, adding 190,000 square feet of office space across the two Lakeside Boulevard buildings. The agreement, unveiled in a September 17 press release, reflects the city’s ongoing strategy to attract and retain high‑tech employers in the Dallas‑Fort Worth Metroplex.
City‑led economic development deal
City Manager Don Magner explained that the city has been courting AT&T since the telecom giant moved its call‑center operations to the Lakeside Tower in 2025. Under the new 12‑year lease, AT&T will occupy the newly built space while the city and building owner Provident invest in extensive upgrades.
Provident, the property landlord, is contributing $11.5 million toward tenant improvements, new furniture, fixtures and equipment, and critical infrastructure upgrades. Richardson will match that effort with a property‑acquisition and modernization grant of up to $4 million, bringing total public‑private investment to roughly $15.5 million.
Modernization and amenities
The modernization plan includes a suite of amenities designed to make the campus more attractive to talent. Upgrades will feature a fitness center, elevated cafeteria spaces, and comprehensive improvements to fire‑protection, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Magner said these enhancements are essential for keeping existing businesses competitive and for drawing new companies to the area.
“What we need to do to make Richardson successful in the future is create buildings and places that the talent companies need to be successful want to be located in,” Magner said. “If we can attract the talent here to Richardson, and create the kind of community that they want to be part of, businesses will see that and want to locate here.”
Economic impact
AT&T is one of the region’s longest‑standing employers, and the expansion is expected to generate additional jobs and ancillary economic activity. The city highlighted that since launching its economic‑development strategy in 2024, several major firms—including GEICO, 1Finity and Continental Electronics—have relocated to the Galatyn and Lakeside office corridors.
“Richardson is a thriving community within the evolving and continuously growing DFW Metroplex,” said Stuart Fink, executive vice president of real‑estate investments for AT&T. “We want companies and employees alike to also thrive in this technology‑focused area, and AT&T, being one of the region’s most prominent and longstanding employers, is an important part of that story.”
Next steps
Construction and upgrades will proceed in phases over the coming year, with the first wave of AT&T employees slated to move into the new space in the next few months. The city’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to fostering a business‑friendly environment that supports both existing employers and future growth.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
