Harris County IFS DNA Lab Relocation in Houston, TX

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences DNA Lab Relocation is a significant renovation and alteration project located at 1861 Old Spanish Trail in Houston, Texas. This undertaking involves the expansion, consolidation, and relocation of multiple departments across different floors within the existing building. The project encompasses a total area of 61,155 square feet and carries an estimated cost of $23,000,000. This results in a cost per square foot of $376, which is notably higher than the median for similar renovation projects in Harris County.

Project Registration and Timeline

This project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in November 2026. Tim Mullins serves as the registered accessibility specialist for the work. Plan review is pending, and the construction phase is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The project is targeted for January 2028, marking the completion date outlined in the official filing. The owner of record is Harris County, with Johnston, LLC acting as the design firm.

Scope and Context

The scope of work focuses on the internal reorganization of the Institute of Forensic Sciences. By relocating and consolidating departments, the project aims to improve the operational flow within the facility. The estimated budget of $23,000,000 reflects the complexity of moving specialized forensic operations. This investment is part of a broader portfolio of projects managed by Harris County, which includes six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $17,304,400. These include work on the El Franco Lee Public Service Plaza and the 1019 Congress Plaza.

Johnston, LLC also has a history of working on various healthcare and public facilities in the region, such as the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the 1MC Building. The project involves public funds and public land, adhering to strict regulatory standards. The scheduled build window of 382 days is longer than the county median of 92 days for renovation and alteration projects. This extended timeline likely accounts for the specialized nature of forensic science infrastructure and the need for minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

The surrounding area, identified by ZIP code 77030, has a population of approximately 12,976 residents. Median household income in the area is $79,415, with a median owner-occupied home value of $614,100. Housing in the vicinity is mostly renter-occupied. The Harris County unemployment rate was reported at 4.6 percent in September 2026, indicating a stable labor market for the construction workforce. This project represents a substantial commitment to modernizing critical public safety infrastructure.