The Southern California chapter of the American Public Works Association this week named the new County Administration South building its “Project of the Year” in the regional facilities category.
The $180 million, 250,000-square-foot, six-story office complex is the first phase of a 20-year master plan to reposition every aspect of the County of Orange’s downtown real estate and approach to customer service. The Administration Building, also known as Building 16, was developed in a public-private partnership (P3), with Griffin Structures as lead developer, LPA as the design partner and Swinerton Builders as the general contractor.
The facility, which opened in September, includes the County Service Center, a one-stop counter for County residents to engage with all 13 county departments, and re-organizes and improves the efficiency of the County’s offices. The building also met the AIA 2030 Commitment target of a 70 percent reduction of fossil fuel use almost entirely through passive design techniques, without solar panels or offsetting renewable energy.
County of Orange Facility Earns Public Works Honor
“We’re honored to see the project recognized by the APWA. “It is a great example that a process focused on collaboration and the clients’ goals can achieve great results.” - Dan Heinfeld, LPA President
The American Public Works Association, Southern California Chapter, “provides leadership to and serves the public works community by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge.” The APWA’s B.E.S.T. Awards--Building Excellence Shaping Tomorrow—recognize outstanding achievement in public works projects.The awards will be handed out in an award ceremony, Dec. 10, at the Lakewood Civic Center.
