AT&T, with City of Dallas, DART and Downtown Dallas Inc., planning an ‘urban-tech center’
AT&T announced this week plans to revitalize its headquarters and surrounding area in south downtown Dallas, as well as plans to grow its local workforce, according to reports.
According to the carrier, the so-called AT&T Discovery District “would become an urban-tech center. It would have well-lit, wide sidewalks, landscaping and venues for entertainment. Downtown workers, residents and visitors would be able to shop, dine, relax and connect.” The idea is provide a new “gathering spot” and “help to boost local tourism” via a planned outdoor event space, public art spaces and retail locations all covered by free Wi-Fi.
“Downtown Dallas is our home,” said AT&T SEVP and CFO John Stephens. “We want to stay and create a unique, inviting space – not only for our employees – but for all. If we’re able to move ahead, we believe the project will draw people to south downtown Dallas. It could offer considerable long-term economic benefits to area businesses, hotels, restaurants and the city.”
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Other stakeholders include the city of Dallas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Downtown Dallas Inc., a nonprofit focused on economic development in the area.
“I’m excited to work alongside AT&T and create this innovative space in downtown Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “It is important that the city of Dallas works to ensure this great corporate citizen, which has done so much for our community, remains in Dallas.”
On the workforce side, AT&T employees around 5,700 people in the Dallas metro area. The Dallas Morning News reports the company plans to add 1,300 new employees in the area.