Arlington City Council approved several resolutions pertaining to a project with global telecommunications and satellite manufacturer, E-Space, and development on the west side of the Arlington Municipal Airport.
The development includes a 480,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and office facility, parking, airport access road, aircraft apron, and 33,450 sq. ft. hangar. The airport access road will add increased connectivity to the future MLK Drive, implementing key public infrastructure to maximize potential economic impact.
Through the agreement, the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will develop and own industrial real estate assets and create community wealth through leasing factory and corporate office space for E-Space’s North American headquarters. The project will create over 2,000 high-wage, high-tech jobs generating $8 billion in salaries and $27 million in net benefits for the City, Tarrant County and AISD over 30 years.
The E-Space North American headquarters and airport development project positions Arlington as a hub for aerospace research and development. Additionally, it meets the City Council priority of growing our economy and economic development strategic plan objective of focusing on the airport and surrounding area.
Council action included approval to execute a Development Agreement and related sublease between the City, Arlington EDC and tenant E-Space, as well as a Chapter 380 agreement pertaining to water and sewer facilities for the project site. Additional action included modifications to already-existing contracts for the project, which have been amended as the scope of work has changed with accelerated growth and additional capital raised by E-Space.
Financing for the project will not create any new or increased taxes for residents – instead, it leverages EDC sales tax revenues, not to exceed $115 million, to create Arlington EDC-owned real estate assets (in addition to E-Space’s private investment) which furthers expansion of economic impact at the airport.
The City will provide certain rebates on business personal property leasehold and sales tax. The project also diversifies the city’s commercial property tax base, which ultimately contributes to relieving the burden from residential property taxpayers.
Groundbreaking for the project will take place in fall 2025, with estimated completion in spring 2027.