Last week, Dallas County broke ground on its new Oak Cliff Government Center, a $27.6-million-dollar project scheduled for completion in July 2021. The government center will house the Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Truancy, Constable and Tax departments. The project will also include the construction of a three-story parking garage with 240 parking spaces.

Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia (District 4) described the project as “community-focused” and said it “will enhance Dallas County’s reputation as a great place to work and do business.” 

The project team expects to meet its 40 percent MWBE participation goal. Second-chance workers will also contribute to the construction as part of the same Regional Black Contractors Association program through which workers were recruited to build Dallas County’s new Elections Operations Facility.

Senior Project Manager Blake Evans confirmed Dallas County is working with project general contractor Ryan Companies and project architect GFF to redesign portions of the building to support COVID-19 spread prevention. The County will finalize updated plans by late summer. 

Project site mobilization included the installation of a jobsite trailer and the erection of a perimeter fence and storm water pollution prevention barrier. Additionally, the project team began excavating the building pad to moisture condition it and backfill it with better dirt. 

The project start date was initially scheduled for March in addition to a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony with Dallas County officials, employees, constituents and project team members but was delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis.