Fossil consolidating workers in one office

by Steve Brown
Real Estate Editor
Dallas Morning News

Developer KDC has finally confirmed what everyone already knew – Fossil, Inc. is moving into the former Blue Cross and Blue Shield complex in Richardson.  KDC said Monday that Fossil has leased 535,000 square feet of office space in the buildings at 901 Central Expressway.

The watch and fashion accessory company will shift 1,100 workers now in separate office and warehouse space at 2280 N. Greenville Ave., 2323 N. Central Expressway and 2155 Campbell Creek Blvd. Fossil plans to move this year after renovations to the new headquarters are completed.

Fossil leased all of the two-building 901 Central complex, which became vacant last year when Blue Cross moved to a new office complex.  KDC had been marketing the property – one of the largest blocks of empty office space in suburban Dallas – to new tenants.  Fossil decided on the location last year while continuing to iron out lease negotiations.  In February financial filings, the company said it would make the move to consolidate all of its employees in one location.

Fossil says it plans to sell its current office and distribution buildings after making the move. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring our corporate team together again under one roof,” Fossil chief financial officer Mike Kovar said in a statement Monday.  “The new facility will allow us to expand our design, art and product and store development functions, while continuing to provide us space needs to support the anticipated growth of our global business.”

The 901 Central buildings are located at Spring Valley Road and are near the Spring Valley DART light rail station and the new Brick Row transit oriented mixed-use development.