Dallas residents of the Factory Design District Apartments are still unable to return to their homes nearly a week after a natural gas release was detected on Friday evening. The incident forced the evacuation of all 325 units in the complex located at the intersection of Turtle Creek Boulevard and E. Levee Street in the city’s Design District.
Evacuation and temporary housing
Atmos Energy identified the gas release on Friday night and immediately coordinated with Dallas Fire‑Rescue (DFR) to evacuate the building. DFR confirmed that the entire complex was cleared and that displaced tenants were provided with hotel accommodations while the situation was assessed.
Restoration work proceeds in phases
Atmos Energy released a statement explaining that restoration is being conducted in phases. “After the building has been cleared for gas, Oncor restores power to the building one floor at a time while DFR personnel check for potential electrical issues,” the press release read. The utility confirmed that phases one and two of the restoration are complete and that the building has now been turned over to apartment management for final cleaning and repairs.
Residents voice frustration
Tenants have expressed growing frustration with the lack of a definitive timeline. “Since Friday they say ‘oh they’re working on the leak’ and then ‘oh it’s going to be tomorrow morning’ and then ‘it’s going to be 12:00 Saturday like 12:00 pm you’re able to go back inside,’” said resident Chiara Cappelletti. “I have to go to work; I have to take my child to school. You don’t want to be stuck in a hotel; you want to be back home, but you’re not able to go back.”
DFR’s latest outlook
In a recent statement, Dallas Fire‑Rescue indicated that residents are unlikely to be allowed back into their apartments until the following Friday. The department cited the need for deep cleaning and repairs as the primary reasons for the continued delay.
Impact on families and community
The prolonged displacement has placed a burden on families who rely on stable housing for work, school, and daily routines. Local community leaders have urged the utility companies and apartment management to expedite the remaining work while maintaining safety standards.
What comes next?
Atmos Energy and Oncor have pledged to continue the phased restoration process, with the final step involving a thorough inspection by DFR before residents can safely re‑enter their units. The apartment management team is coordinating with the hotels to ensure that displaced tenants have continued access to essential services.
How residents can stay informed
Tenants are encouraged to monitor updates from Atmos Energy, Oncor, and Dallas Fire‑Rescue through official channels and the apartment complex’s communication platforms. Those with urgent needs, such as medical appointments or work obligations, should contact the management office to discuss possible accommodations.
While the situation remains inconvenient, officials stress that safety remains the top priority. The coordinated effort among the gas utility, electric provider, and fire‑rescue personnel reflects a commitment to restoring normalcy for the Design District community as quickly and safely as possible.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
