Liberty Mutual Insurance executives and local and state officials gathered Sept. 30 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the insurance company's new headquarters at Legacy West.

The $325 million expansion project is expected to be complete in 2017 and will bring more than 4,000 employees to Plano, as well as more than 1,000 construction jobs.

"Today is a very special day for us as we break new ground on our first significant new campus outside of the Northeast," said David H. Long, Liberty Mutual chairman and CEO. "It comes from an extensive and rigorous review resulting in the indisputable conclusion that Plano is the place for Liberty Mutual to grow. Its welcoming business environment, beautiful neighborhoods, top-rated schools and talented people made it an obvious choice for us."

The campus is being built by KDC Developers, who have been working with OMNIPLAN architects, Kimley-Horn civil engineers, Studio Outside for its landscaping, LA Fuess' structural engineers, and Telios as its mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. Balfour Beatty Construction is the general contractor.

The 19-story building will feature an open-floor plan with dependence on natural light throughout each level, and it will be 20 percent more energy efficient than the typical modern office, according to Liberty Mutual. The campus will also use sustainable green resources and materials, as well as incorporate energy-efficiency and water-conservation methods. This will be the Liberty Mutual's eighth building in the country that will receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for its green building design.

"Liberty Mutual is known for delivering exceptional customer service and excellence in everything they do," Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said. "They also have a history of giving back to their community. This is what building a community is all about. This is the true value that Liberty Mutual will bring to Plano."