Dallas-based alternative investment platform NexPoint recently unveiled its proposal for a 4-million-square-foot life sciences district in Plano, Texas.

Named to signify “Technology x Science,” the TxS District project centers on a 91-acre main campus that used to serve as headquarters for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Eventually, the district would incorporate 109 additional acres in the Legacy neighborhood. Upon completion, the project would total more than 4 million square feet of lab, office, and therapeutic production space across four phases of construction.

The first two phases would transform two of the existing buildings on the EDS campus to create 970,000 square feet of world-class Plano lab and office space, as well as 120,000 square feet of space dedicated to amenities. Initial site improvement plans also include a public park, an amphitheater, and connectivity to the nearby Legacy retail development.

NexPoint purchased the main EDS campus in 2018 and has been working to acquire the additional acreage. The company tapped JLL to serve as the project’s leasing agent. Meanwhile, CRB — a global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry — is working with NexPoint to provide architectural and engineering services throughout the development process.

Additionally, the developer has also been engaging with the City of Plano about the project’s influence on the surrounding area in order to form a public-private partnership. According to reporting by the Dallas Morning News, a NexPoint representative stated that the company was ready to invest more than $3.6 billion in the ambitious life sciences complex plan. However, tapping into Plano economic development incentive programs could offer tax breaks and cash grants that would assist in converting the campus for new use.

“Not only would this project be a major economic catalyst for the region, but it would also establish North Texas as a leader in life sciences,” said James Dondero, NexPoint founder, and principal.

“Plano is the ideal location for this project,” added Frank Zaccanelli, president of NexPoint Development Company, the development arm of NexPoint’s real estate platform. “We hope to partner with the City to transform these properties into a thriving life science district and bring high-paying jobs to the Plano area.”

“The TxS project would be unique in its ability to support life science companies at any point in the process: discovery, early-stage development, and commercialization,” said JLL’s Matt Daniels. “With cutting-edge research facilities and new federal policies promoting the repatriation of drug manufacturing, and a tight labor market in coastal life science hubs, Plano is poised to become a top choice for companies seeking expansion and solutions.”

“Co-locating research alongside production is crucial for new technologies and nimble solutions,” said Eric Danielson, senior director of business development for CRB. “NexPoint’s project would do so sustainably by transforming the large, well-located, and well-featured campus into a vibrant facility that will benefit all tenants. We are excited to help bring this vision to life.”

TxS District would be an integral part of NexPoint’s planned growth within life sciences. Plus, through its corporate credit and equities group, NexPoint is also making direct investments in biotech companies and other public and private healthcare businesses.

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