Contra Costa County is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new Administration Building on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. The event will take place outside in the plaza at 1026 Escobar Street in Martinez, California, marking a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve services for residents.
This state-of-the-art facility replaces the former 12-story county building constructed in 1964 and the old county jail from 1902. The new three-story structure, built at a cost of $58 million, showcases cutting-edge architecture that complements the surrounding historic buildings while revitalizing the public plaza.
Key Features
The new Administration Building embodies modern design and sustainability. It incorporates several eco-friendly features, including on-site photovoltaics for high-performance energy use, responsibly sourced finishes, and low embodied carbon materials. These measures ensure the building not only meets current environmental standards but also sets a benchmark for future projects.
The building enhances the community space with the addition of a new public law library, ground-floor retail spaces, and a parking garage. The design also includes street improvements and an advanced stormwater system tailored to the site’s unique groundwater challenges and topography. Internally, the building acts as a hub for several county administrative departments, including the public defender’s office, the office of racial equity and social justice, and the county sheriff’s civil division, consolidating essential services under one roof to improve service delivery and enhance community interaction.
Event Highlights
The grand opening ceremony will feature speeches by notable figures, including:
- Federal D. Glover, Contra Costa County Supervisor
- Brianne Zorn, Mayor of Martinez
- Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County
These leaders will discuss the importance of the new building in the context of the county’s broader goals of modernization and improved public service. The event represents a significant upgrade to Contra Costa County’s administrative facilities, following the recent completion of the Emergency Operations Center.
A New Era for Contra Costa County
Supervisor Federal D. Glover remarked, “This building represents a new era for Contra Costa County. It’s not just about replacing old structures; it’s about creating a space that serves our community better, meets modern standards, and respects our environment. We’re proud to offer this new facility to our residents and staff.”
Mayor Brianne Zorn echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project’s role in revitalizing downtown Martinez. “The new Administration Building is a testament to our commitment to improving public spaces and services. It’s a beautiful addition to our historic downtown area and a symbol of progress and sustainability.”
Community Impact
The new Administration Building is expected to serve as a focal point for the community, providing flexible working areas for county employees and enhanced services for residents. The integration of various county departments under one roof is aimed at fostering greater efficiency and collaboration.
Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, emphasized the building’s role in improving public interaction. “By consolidating essential services in one location, we can offer more efficient and effective support to our residents. This building is designed to be accessible and welcoming, reflecting our commitment to the community.”
Architectural Excellence
Designed by Perkins&Will and constructed by Webcor, the building is a prime example of contemporary architectural excellence. Its design harmonizes with the historic surroundings while introducing modern elements that rejuvenate the public plaza. The advanced stormwater system and sustainability measures reflect a thoughtful approach to environmental challenges and resource management.
Looking Forward
The completion of this project marks an important milestone in Contra Costa County’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure. The new Administration Building is not just a facility but a catalyst for continued improvement in public services and community engagement. The grand opening celebration on July 9th offers the public an opportunity to see firsthand the results of this substantial investment in local government facilities.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT
- Location: 1026 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553
- Speakers:
- Eric Angstadt, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County
- Federal D. Glover, Board Chair, District 5 Supervisor
- Brianne Zorn, Mayor of Martinez
Contacts for Media Inquiries
- Kristi Jourdan, PIO: 313-1180, mediainquiries@contracostatv.org
- Alexandra Pony: 250-858-0656, Alexandra@ponycommunications.com
Join at the grand opening ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of the Contra Costa County Administration Building, a symbol of where modernity meets tradition and community service meets innovation. This new facility stands on the historic grounds previously occupied by a taller, outdated office tower and a jail dating back to around 1902, both of which were demolished to make way for this modern development.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?