On our constant quest to follow high-impact development projects in San Diego, today we’re breaking down the county’s new, $93.3 million public health lab set to open in spring 2025. Here’s what we know, so far.

The two-story, LEED Gold lab and its 700+ space parking garage (expected to open this September, before the lab) are under construction at the County Operations Center on Overland Avenue in Kearny Mesa.

The new facility will span 52,000 sqft — roughly 19,000 sqft more than the County Public Health Lab formerly on Rosecrans Street. It’ll also serve as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab for San Diego and Imperial counties.

A rendering of the 52,000-sqft facility, expected to open in spring 2025. | Photo via County of San Diego

Public Health Services — aka Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) — focuses on community wellness and health in San Diego County, including the prevention of epidemics and spread of disease. Locals will remember this department took center stage during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team also tracks flu cases and tests for food and water safety.

According to county leaders, the new building’s size will lend itself to expanded capabilities and growth, including:

A whole genome sequencing lab.
More wastewater surveillance to track levels of COVID-19, Hepatitis A, and other viruses.
The addition of a training facility for the department’s workforce — which will also be used to partner with local universities and hospitals.

Another rendering of the lab. | Rendering via County of San Diego

“The laboratory will play a vital role in supporting the work of our Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, our HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Branch, as well as our Tuberculosis Control and Refugee Health Branch,” explained Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten. “It will do this by helping these branches track, analyze, and respond to disease outbreaks and health trends more effectively.”