The historic EDS campus, once the crown jewel of Ross Perot’s 1980s real estate vision, is officially set for a multibillion-dollar transformation.
On Feb. 23, Plano City Council members greenlit a high-stakes incentive package worth upwards of $20 million to secure AT&T’s new global headquarters, a move that promises to bring 10,000 jobs to the heart of the Legacy business park.
The deal signals a massive win for Plano’s economic development team, ensuring that one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies will call 5400 Legacy Drive home for decades to come.
Breaking Down The $20 Million Package
To anchor the telecom giant in Plano, the city council approved a performance-based agreement tied strictly to redevelopment, capital investment and employment milestones. The incentive structure is designed to offset the massive costs of transforming the aging 2-million-square-foot campus from the ground up.
$10 Million Redevelopment Grant: Upfront support to modernize the former EDS site into a “world-class” corporate hub.
$10 Million Job Creation Incentive: A payout of $1,000 per qualifying job, with the agreement targeting the retention or creation of 10,000 positions.
25-Year Tax Rebate: A partial rebate on the new property value created by AT&T’s investment, ensuring the city remains competitive over the next quarter-century.
“This decision reflects Plano’s commitment to safety, quality of life and a collaborative environment where companies and employees thrive,” said Plano Mayor John B. Muns. “We look forward to working alongside AT&T as they grow and succeed in our community.”
From Data Systems To Digital Futures
The redevelopment of the site is a poetic evolution for the district. When Ross Perot acquired 2,600 acres in the 80s, his goal was to fuel long-term growth by attracting world-class firms. That vision peaked with the opening of the EDS headquarters in 1992.
Now, AT&T plans to tear into that history to build a campus focused on the future of innovation.
“We are excited to build our new global headquarters in such a welcoming community dedicated to positive business growth,” said Michael Ford, head of AT&T global real estate and security. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Plano city leaders as we execute on our vision for a world-class campus, designed for collaboration, innovation and engagement, that our employees can be proud of for many years to come.”
A Global Anchor For Legacy
The arrival of AT&T reinforces the Legacy district as one of North Texas’s primary employment engines. While many corporate hubs have struggled with post-pandemic occupancy, Plano’s aggressive pursuit of this global headquarters proves the city is still the preferred destination for “live, work and play” environments.
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