Deloitte LLP today announced that it will invest approximately $300 million in the creation of a state-of-the-art learning and leadership development center located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Westlake, Texas. Construction on the new facility will begin in 2009 and the center is expected to open in 2011.
The facility will serve as a central destination for everyone from new hires to Deloitte senior leadership to convene for learning and leadership development. The 750,000-square-foot campus will have 800 guest rooms.
“This learning and leadership development facility is Deloitte’s most recent investment in Texas,” said Anne Taylor, vice chairman and managing partner for Deloitte’s Mid-America region. “We have a very strong presence in the region, with more than 3,300 partners and employees across Texas, in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth/Irving, Austin, and San Antonio. This facility will not only help us build a stronger culture among our employees, it will further strengthen our presence and support for the communities in which we work.”
“We are honored and delighted that Deloitte has selected Westlake as the site for their learning and leadership development facility,” said Laura Wheat, Mayor of Westlake. “Not only is the facility a great addition to the Westlake business community, it complements our town’s comprehensive plan. It is an important part of moving Westlake toward our vision of being a knowledge-based community. This is an exciting project for both Deloitte and Westlake and is the culmination of a team effort between Deloitte, Hillwood Development and the town. We look forward to what Deloitte will bring to our community by way of corporate citizenship.”
As it pertains to tourism, Deloitte’s learning and leadership development center could host up to 40,000 visitors annually, providing an economic stimulus in the form of increased spending on retail, transportation and entertainment. The facility is expected to result in Deloitte adding an estimated 100 new full-time jobs, with 300 to 400 new non-Deloitte jobs also being added. Significant secondary economic benefits through service contracts awarded by Deloitte is expected to further bolster the economic impact.
The facility will feature multiple conference spaces and classrooms that will host thought leadership events by Deloitte Research and Deloitte Industry Centers; events with professors from nationally accredited universities and colleges; and networking events. They will also serve as places where Deloitte personnel can connect with mentors and colleagues.
“As our industry evolves faster than ever before, Deloitte’s learning and leadership development center will enable our people to take the lead in shaping the future of our profession,” said Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP. “We expect this facility to become the heart of our organization — the place where we meet, learn and develop our next generation of leaders.”
The facility will also feature dining venues, a ballroom, a business center, recreational facilities and a fitness center. The campus will be constructed according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Green considerations are a top priority for all aspects of this project, including design, materials, engineering and supplies.
About DeloitteAs used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
# # #