Plano Texas' $4 Billion Life Sciences Project
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Plano, Texas is on the verge of one of the largest and most ambitious redevelopment projects in its history. A massive $4 billion life sciences district is planned along Legacy Drive, transforming the former EDS headquarters into what’s now being branded as the Texas Research Quarter.
This isn’t just another office park makeover. It’s a bold bet on Plano’s future — one that could reshape jobs, housing, traffic, and property values across North Texas.
Let’s break down what’s happening, where it’s happening, and why it matters if you live, work, or invest in the area.
Where Is the Texas Research Quarter Located?
The project sits on the former EDS campus along Legacy Drive in Plano, Texas, an area that once symbolized the city’s corporate boom but has remained underutilized for years.
Helpful location references:
- Plano, TX (official city page): https://www.plano.gov
- Legacy Drive corridor overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legacy_Business_Park
- Collin County (regional context): https://www.collincountytx.gov
The core redevelopment covers roughly 91 acres, while the full Texas Research Quarter district stretches across more than 200 acres, making it one of the largest life sciences developments in the country.
What’s Being Built?
The vision behind the Texas Research Quarter is to create an end-to-end life sciences ecosystem — meaning everything from early research to real-world production happens in one place.
Planned components include:
- Advanced research and development laboratories
- CGMP manufacturing facilities for biotech and pharmaceutical production
- Office and collaboration space for startups and established firms
- Integrated housing, hospitality, and retail
At full build-out, the project is expected to deliver:
- Over 4 million square feet of space
- Support for up to 30,000 jobs long-term
- A major new employment anchor for North Texas
For additional context on the project’s scale and scope, see:
- Texas Research Quarter overview via PR Newswire: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexpoints-life-sciences-project-in-plano-texas-renamed-texas-research-quarter-301829012.html
- Commercial real estate coverage: https://rebusinessonline.com/city-of-plano-approves-4b-texas-research-quarter-life-sciences-project/
Housing, Hotels, and Walkability
This isn’t a traditional office-only campus. One of the big goals is to keep the area active beyond business hours.
Plans include:
- Approximately 775 apartments
- A 300-room hotel
- Ground-level retail, dining, and services
- 7–9 acres of public parkland and open green space
The idea is to create a walkable, mixed-use district that attracts both full-time residents and visitors, rather than a commuter-only zone that empties out at night.
How Is the City Supporting the Project?
The Plano City Council approved a redevelopment agreement that includes a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). In simple terms, this allows part of the new property tax revenue generated by the project to be reinvested back into the development.
Key points:
- Up to 65% of property taxes within the zone can be reimbursed
- Incentives are capped at $15 million
- The goal is to accelerate redevelopment while keeping the project financially viable
This type of public-private partnership is common for large-scale economic development projects across the U.S.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners and Renters?
Big projects like this always come with trade-offs.
Potential upsides:
- Increased demand for nearby housing
- Rising property values in surrounding neighborhoods
- More retail, dining, and amenities close to home
- Stronger long-term job market
Possible challenges:
- Heavier traffic along Legacy Drive and nearby corridors
- More pressure on infrastructure and schools
- Short-term construction disruption
Nearby neighborhoods that may feel the impact include:
- West Plano: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plano,_Texas
- Frisco (north of Legacy): https://www.friscotexas.gov
- North Dallas (southern access routes): https://dallascityhall.com
Why Plano Is Making This Move
Plano has long competed with other major job hubs, but life sciences has historically been dominated by places like:
- Boston–Cambridge
- San Diego
- North Carolina’s Research Triangle
The Texas Research Quarter is Plano’s attempt to enter that national conversation — not by copying those markets, but by offering something different: scale, affordability, centralized manufacturing, and integrated living in one master-planned district.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Plano
This project is about much more than redeveloping an old corporate campus. If it succeeds, the Texas Research Quarter could:
- Redefine Plano’s economic identity
- Anchor thousands of high-paying jobs
- Create a more balanced, walkable community
- Influence real estate values across the Legacy corridor
If it falls short, residents may mostly notice tighter roads and more congestion. Either way, this is a pivotal moment for Plano’s future — and one worth watching closely if you live, invest, or plan to buy or sell property in the area.
As construction moves forward, staying informed will be key — because projects of this size tend to reshape cities for decades, not just years.
If you’re shopping for homes in Dallas or want to sell your current home,
please reach out to the Living in Dallas Texas team so we can create a seamless
home buying or selling process for you!










