Plano, Texas, January 6, 2026
AT&T has confirmed its plans to move its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to a 54-acre campus in Plano, Texas, by the latter part of 2028. The company aims to create a modern corporate campus that promotes collaboration and employee engagement. While Dallas leaders express disappointment, Plano sees this as an opportunity for economic growth. The impact on downtown Dallas is significant, with potential declines in property value, while Plano anticipates revitalization in its Legacy business district.
Dallas, Texas
AT&T Announces Relocation of Global Headquarters to Plano, Leaving Downtown Dallas Campus in Limbo
AT&T has confirmed its plans to relocate its global headquarters from downtown Dallas to a 54-acre campus in Plano, Texas, by the second half of 2028. The decision, part of a strategy to consolidate administrative spaces, aims to create an innovative corporate campus designed for collaboration and employee engagement. While city leaders in Dallas have expressed disappointment over the move, those in Plano view it as a significant opportunity for economic growth and business development.
Since relocating from San Antonio to Dallas in 2008, AT&T has invested heavily in the city’s downtown, particularly with the creation of the Discovery District in 2021. However, the company has identified Plano as its preferred location for the new headquarters, offering a suburban-style environment that aligns with its operational strategies and employee needs.
Key Details of AT&T’s Headquarters Relocation
- New Headquarters Location: 5400 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas
- Campus Size: 54 acres
- Partial Occupancy Target: Second half of 2028
- Current Downtown Dallas Lease: Whitacre Tower at 208 South Akard Street, lease through December 31, 2031
- Discovery District: Opened in 2021, location of current headquarters
- Impact on Downtown Dallas: Potential economic effects and property value implications
Background on AT&T’s Presence in Dallas
AT&T’s relocation to Plano reflects not just a change in geography, but a strategic shift toward accommodating growth and fostering innovation. The decision comes amid a broader trend among companies seeking more flexible and spacious work environments. With employees now required to work on-site five days a week, this relocation could significantly reduce commute times for many. The next steps regarding the current downtown campus remain uncertain as AT&T continues its lease through 2031.
Impact on Dallas and Plano
The implications of AT&T’s move are vast for both cities. Downtown Dallas stands to suffer economically, with estimates suggesting a potential 30% decrease in property values, translating to an estimated loss of $2.7 billion in overall value. Conversely, Plano stands at the brink of revitalization, with city leaders heralding AT&T’s relocation as a powerful boost for the Legacy business district. This could enhance Plano’s reputation as a growing hub for innovation and business development, attracting further investment and talent.
Economic Opportunities Ahead
Indeed, AT&T’s focus on creating a collaborative environment in Plano suggests an alignment with modern business trends that prioritize versatility and employee well-being. This decision may pave the way for other companies to consider similar relocations, particularly as suburban areas offer advantages in terms of space and lower costs. As Dallas continues to develop its infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship will be vital to sustaining economic growth across the region.
Conclusion
AT&T’s relocation marks a new chapter for both Dallas and Plano. As the city of Dallas manages the ramifications of this significant corporate shift, Plano emerges with new prospects for economic enhancement and business diversification. Local business owners and entrepreneurs should remain engaged in dialogues surrounding regulatory improvements and community development initiatives that could further contribute to a robust Dallas County economy. Supporting local businesses today can set the groundwork for a thriving community in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is AT&T moving its headquarters to Plano?
AT&T is relocating its global headquarters to Plano to consolidate its administrative spaces and create a corporate campus designed for collaboration, innovation, and engagement. The new location offers a horizontal, suburban-style campus with significant acreage, aligning with the company’s strategic goals.
What is the timeline for the relocation?
AT&T plans to partially occupy the new headquarters in Plano as early as the second half of 2028. The company is targeting full occupancy by 2030.
What will happen to AT&T’s current downtown Dallas campus?
AT&T’s lease at the 37-story Whitacre Tower at 208 South Akard Street runs through December 31, 2031. The company has not specified its plans for the current downtown campus, including the Discovery District, which opened in 2021.
How will the relocation affect Dallas’s economy?
The relocation of AT&T’s headquarters is expected to have significant implications for Dallas’s economy. Downtown Dallas Inc. estimated that the move could cause a 30% decrease in property values, costing downtown an estimated $2.7 billion in overall value.
What does this mean for Plano?
In Plano, the arrival of AT&T is viewed as a major win, with leaders heralding it as a powerful reinvestment in the Legacy business district. The move is expected to bring fresh momentum to the area and further establish Plano as a hub for innovation and business development.
Key Features of AT&T’s Headquarters Relocation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters Location | 5400 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas |
| Campus Size | 54 acres |
| Partial Occupancy Target | Second half of 2028 |
| Current Downtown Dallas Lease | Whitacre Tower at 208 South Akard Street, lease through December 31, 2031 |
| Discovery District | Opened in 2021, location of current headquarters |
| Impact on Downtown Dallas | Potential economic effects and property value implications |
| Impact on Plano | Expected economic boost and development in the Legacy business district |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
