Dallas County Opens BSL-3 Public Health Laboratory

Dallas County Health and Human Services opened its new Public Health Laboratory in March of 2026. Strategically sited in the Southwestern Medical District, the $52 million facility offers state-of-the-art environments for the detection and mitigation of infectious agents and toxins. The 67,000-sf building centralizes lab services previously dispersed in several locations while significantly increasing capacity for testing, disease surveillance, and emergency response. The purpose-built structure leverages advanced directional airflow systems, HEPA filtration, controlled access zones, and redundant mechanical and power systems to ensure continuous operations, even during severe weather or public health crises.

Designed by Page, now part of Stantec, the leading-edge center includes one fully compliant BSL-3 lab and multiple BSL-2 and BSL-1 labs, all of which meet National Institutes of Health biosafety guidelines. The integrated facility will enable shorter turnaround times, reducing reliance on external laboratories and keeping critical diagnostic capabilities within the county, as well as enhancing regional coordination with hospitals, state agencies, and federal organizations. Delivered in collaboration with Hunt Real Estate & Infrastructure, the public-private project was completed within budget on an aggressive 25-month timeline. Engineering expertise was provided by IMEG, Shah Smith & Associates, Martinez-Moore Engineers, Foy Consulting & Engineering, and PGA Engineers. The Beck Group was the general contractor, with EJES as project manager and ENFRA as commissioning agent.

The development was financed entirely through federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Midway through construction, Dallas County committed an additional $5 million from opioid settlements to complete the office space on the third floor, ensuring the public health workforce has a modern setting that will support the laboratory's mission.