Turner Construction Company, the largest contractor in the United States, has secured a $158 million project to construct a state-of-the-art emergency operations center in Southern California. The New York City-based firm, in partnership with DGA Architects, will deliver the project for California’s Department of General Services (DGS). The center, commissioned by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), aims to bolster disaster response capabilities across the region.

The Southern Region Emergency Operations Center will be built on a 15-acre site within the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa. According to environmental assessments filed with the state, the facility will include a 35,000-square-foot office building and a 20,000-square-foot support warehouse. Other components of the project will feature:

• Outbuildings, landscaping, and fencing.
• Parking lots and a 100-foot microwave tower.
• Infrastructure upgrades, including utilities, stormwater systems, intersections, and roadways.

Additionally, the facility will incorporate advanced energy systems such as photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage, and emergency generators. Designed to meet Zero Net Energy standards, the center reflects California’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

The site of the new center previously housed the Fairview Developmental Center hospital for adults. Initially, the project faced resistance from the local community due to concerns over noise and increased traffic. However, after local officials toured a similar operations center in Northern California, they expressed support for the development. The project’s emphasis on emergency preparedness and its potential to improve regional resilience helped alleviate initial objections.

The new center is a critical part of California’s efforts to improve disaster readiness. The facility will serve as a hub for coordinating emergency management and disaster response across Southern California. With the state regularly facing threats such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and public health emergencies, the center will provide essential infrastructure for strategic planning and resource deployment.

Reed McMains, Vice President and General Manager of Turner Construction Company, highlighted the importance of the project in a statement. “This project represents a significant step in enhancing the community’s resilience and readiness in times of need. We are honored to partner with the Department of General Services and DGA Architects to deliver this critical emergency operations center,” McMains said.

Turner Construction and DGA Architects are using cutting-edge design and construction practices to deliver a sustainable and efficient facility. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage systems ensures the center’s energy independence during emergencies. Emergency generators will provide backup power, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations in critical situations.

Meeting Zero Net Energy standards aligns the project with California’s ambitious climate goals. The facility’s design minimizes energy consumption while maximizing efficiency, making it a model for future public infrastructure projects.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services plays a pivotal role in coordinating statewide disaster preparedness and response. From addressing natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes to managing cybersecurity threats and public health crises, Cal OES ensures the state’s resources are strategically deployed during emergencies. The new center will improve these capabilities, enabling more effective coordination and quicker response times.

The facility’s strategic location in Costa Mesa positions it to serve the densely populated Southern California region. By providing a centralized hub for disaster management, the center will help mitigate the impacts of emergencies and safeguard communities.

Turner Construction has reorganized its operations in 2024 to prepare for growth fueled by its $33 billion backlog. The Southern Region Emergency Operations Center is one of Turner’s flagship projects as it continues to expand its portfolio.

“Our team is committed to bringing our expertise and dedication to every phase of this endeavor, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and functionality,” McMains added.

Construction of the emergency operations center is set to begin shortly, with completion anticipated by mid-2027. The design-build approach ensures seamless collaboration between Turner Construction and DGA Architects, prioritizing efficiency and ensuring the project stays on schedule.

While a helipad was initially included in the plans, it has since been removed from the project’s scope. However, the facility retains all other critical elements, making sure it remains a cornerstone of California’s disaster response infrastructure.

The $158 million Southern Region Emergency Operations Center is a vital step forward in California’s efforts to improve disaster preparedness and resilience. With Turner Construction and DGA Architects at the helm, the facility promises to be an asset for Southern California, equipping the region to face emergencies with greater efficiency and coordination.