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Supervisors weigh full facilities master plan and lower‑cost alternative; plan shows roughly $200 million scope
Summary
County consultants presented refined designs and cost estimates for an option that would reconfigure South Campus, renovate 650 Imperial Avenue and replace the Hall of Justice. The detailed option is now estimated near $200 million (escalation could push it higher), while Public Works offered a lower‑cost "minimalist" alternative intended to buy
The board received an in‑depth update June 3 on the county’s Facilities Master Plan and a lower‑cost alternative that staff labeled a ‘‘minimalist’’ option.
What was presented - LPA, the county’s design consultant, presented refined test‑fits, program stacks and conceptual designs for the board‑approved Option 4: significant renovation of South Campus (Building 4), upgrades to 650 Imperial Avenue, relocation of some operations and demolition/redevelopment of the existing Hall of Justice (HOJ) site. LPA said detailed cost estimating and escalation over the projected multi‑year schedule bring the option’s total near $200 million in 2024 dollars with further escalation possible by 2030. - The presentation emphasized workplace standards, day‑lighting, reconfigured public lobbies and a reimagined board hearing room. LPA recommended seismic upgrades, improved HVAC, lighting replacement and new wayfinding as part of a campus identity and accessibility program.
Lower‑cost alternative - Public Works Director Steve Lederer described an alternative package intended to meet the county’s most urgent space and deferred‑maintenance needs while minimizing upfront borrowing. The approach keeps the Hall of Justice and 1127 First Street in service in the short term, focuses on targeted HVAC, roof and ADA repairs, and reassigns some departments and leased spaces to relieve overcrowding. Lederer said the plan would also create breathing room to build reserves and consider larger campus moves later without foreclosing future options.
Financing and timing - The county’s municipal adviser modeled multiple financing scenarios. A full $200 million program would likely require certificate‑type debt issued in two series (phased over the multi‑year construction schedule); modeled payments ranged from roughly $13.5 million to $16 million annually depending on term and phasing assumptions. A reduced scope that concentrates on South Campus and 650 Imperial could reduce annual debt service to roughly $10–12 million depending on term and market conditions.
Board reaction and next steps - Supervisors emphasized the need for a capital plan that addresses deferred maintenance, clear prioritization of projects and preservation of County services downtown. Members asked staff to keep the PLA negotiations and private‑sector conversations moving, to preserve the LPA design work, and to return with an implementation roadmap that sequences urgent repairs versus full master‑plan construction.
Public comment - Developers, downtown property owners and union representatives spoke in favor of keeping conversation open and urged timely action that balances stewardship of assets with support for downtown vitality and local jobs. One commenter urged immediate attention to the Carruthers (1127 First) building’s condition and advocated for coordinated redevelopment with city projects.
Ending - The board asked staff to package the consultant work, the financing options and the minimalist alternative into a clear implementation plan and return with recommended near‑term actions and a financing strategy to consider at a later meeting.
