AT&T plans to build a new corporate headquarters outside downtown Dallas, relocating its long-standing base of operations to the suburb of Plano, Texas by the second half of 2028. The decision marks a significant shift for the telecom giant, which has been headquartered in Dallas since 2008, and will reshape the economic landscape of the region’s central business district.
CEO John Stankey informed employees that AT&T will construct a new campus on a 54-acre site near the Legacy West district in Plano, previously home to the Electronic Data Systems headquarters. The current high-rise downtown location, known as Whitacre Tower, will eventually be vacated as most of the company’s roughly 6,000 Dallas-area employees transition to the new suburban campus.
The Plano site is designed as a horizontal corporate campus aimed at enhancing collaboration, innovation, and employee engagement, according to company communications. AT&T executives cited limitations in available space downtown and the lack of a sufficiently large parcel for the envisioned campus as key factors behind the move.
Local leaders in Plano celebrated the relocation as a “major win,” noting that it further solidifies the city’s status as a thriving business hub. The move is expected to bring new jobs, increased tax revenue, and broader economic activity to the area. Plano officials highlighted the city’s educated workforce, business-friendly environment, and quality of life as reasons for its success in attracting AT&T.
In contrast, the move is seen as a blow to downtown Dallas. Local business owners and city officials expressed concerns about potential economic impacts, including reduced foot traffic and negative effects on property values in the central business district. A report projected that Dallas could see a significant drop in downtown property values without AT&T’s presence, a major employer in the area.
Although AT&T will relocate its corporate headquarters, some personnel and functions are expected to remain downtown. The company will consolidate its three largest Dallas-area locations—including Dallas, Plano, and Irving—into the new Plano campus. Partial occupancy of the headquarters may begin as early as late 2028.
The relocation reflects broader trends among major corporations seeking larger, suburban campuses with room for growth and modern facilities, while city centers adapt to changing business needs and workforce priorities.
