AT&T to relocate global headquarters to 54‑acre Plano campus

AT&T announced on Jan. 9 that it plans to relocate its global headquarters to a new 54‑acre campus at 5400 Legacy Drive in Plano's Legacy District, occupying part of the former EDS campus. The decision marks one of the largest corporate relocations into Collin County in recent years and signals a significant shift in the region's corporate geography.

The site at 5400 Legacy Drive sits in an established business node that has attracted office, retail and mixed‑use development. By choosing the Legacy District, AT&T joins a cluster of corporate and technology firms that have been moving or expanding operations north of Dallas, bringing renewed attention to Plano and neighboring cities in Collin County.

Local economic effects are likely to be broad. A campus of this scale typically generates construction activity, ongoing corporate staff positions, and secondary demand for hotels, restaurants, retail and professional services. Those ripple effects translate into sales tax receipts, commercial property tax revenue and short‑term construction employment. Because the company has anchored the project on an existing office campus footprint, planners will be watching how the site is reconfigured for modern office needs and whether surrounding parcels are repurposed for housing or hospitality to absorb worker demand.

Transportation and infrastructure will be central concerns for residents. Increased commuter flows to the Legacy District could strain roadways during peak hours and raise pressure for transit and roadway investments. Local officials and planners will need to coordinate on traffic mitigation, parking, and long‑term transit access to ensure the area remains accessible without worsening congestion for nearby neighborhoods.

Commercial real estate markets in Collin County could see renewed interest. Large corporate headquarters moves tend to lift demand for nearby office space and spur new leasing across adjacent submarkets, while also supporting growth in service industries that cater to corporate employees. The announcement could accelerate permitting and development approvals for projects already in the pipeline in Plano and nearby municipalities.

AT&T did not attach a detailed public timeline to the initial announcement. Expect a series of follow‑up steps that include site planning, permitting, phased construction and coordination with city officials on infrastructure and zoning matters. Local governments will be tracking employment estimates, tax agreements and any incentives tied to the relocation as those details emerge.

Our two cents? Keep an eye on city council and planning meetings, because the next year will likely bring construction activity and new development proposals that affect traffic, school capacity and neighborhood services. For residents, the move promises economic opportunity but also a need for thoughtful local planning to make the benefits stick.