DISD W.H. Gaston M S Renovations ORG-048, CSP 206772 in Dallas, TX

Dallas Independent School District completed a $4,826,915 renovation of W.H. Gaston Middle School at 9565 Mercer Drive. The project, filed under the name DISD W.H. Gaston M S Renovations ORG-048, CSP 206772, involved significant alterations to a building of 110,485 square feet. TDLR closed the project file in September 2026, which marks the end of the accessibility review process for this construction.

The scope of work included a new vestibule, lock room renovations, and upgrades to fire alarm and HVAC systems. Additional improvements covered an administration remodel, corridor finish upgrades, and IT security enhancements. These changes were executed over a scheduled build window of 459 days, beginning in October 2022 and concluding with a final inspection passed in May 2026. The estimated cost of $44 per square foot is below the Dallas County median of $72 per square foot for similar renovation and alteration projects.

Project Context and Comparison

This renovation was one of several major investments by the district. Dallas Independent School District has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $53,609,900, including the Obadiah Knight Elementary School renovation valued at $42,459,900. The design firm of record, Elements Of Architecture, has completed five other registered projects totaling $18,648,600, such as the NW Campus Childcare Facility in Fort Worth. The Gaston project cost is above the county median for its type, placing it in the top quarter of estimated costs among 32,526 recorded filings in Dallas County.

The project utilized public funds and public land, adhering to federal and state accessibility standards. The area surrounding the school, ZIP code 75228, has a population of approximately 69,288 according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates. The median household income in this area is $59,617, with a median owner-occupied home value of $259,500. The Dallas County unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in July 2026, higher than a year earlier, reflecting local labor market conditions during the project's final phases.

The registration process began in August 2022, with plan review completed in the same month. Construction started in October 2022, and the final inspection was passed in May 2026. The TDLR status is Project Closed, confirming that the accessibility review requirements have been satisfied. This project represents a substantial update to the school's infrastructure, focusing on safety, security, and modern facility standards for students and staff.