CenturyLink, Inc. announced to build a facility that will feature technology resources as part of its plan to expand its workforce in Monroe, and the company has selected Yates Construction as the construction management company for the project. The CenturyLink Technology Center of Excellence will include technology research and development labs, a network operations center and office and meeting space. In the center, employees and vendors with network technology and IT skills will work together to create innovative products and services for CenturyLink's customers.

The center, which will be located on the north side of CenturyLink's existing headquarters building on Hwy. 165 North in Monroe, will encompass approximately 250,000 square feet, and will accommodate about 800 employees. CenturyLink plans to build the facility to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification requirements.

CenturyLink hopes to break ground on the center in early 2013. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, and should be operational in early 2015.