Best Government/Public Building: Gov. George Deukmejian Courthouse, Long Beach

The fast-tracked design-build project became the first social infrastructure project in the U.S. procured under the principles of performance-based infrastructure (PBI) contracting, which uses a public-private partnership not only to fund design and construction but also to provide long-term operations and maintenance. The delivery method relieved the state of up-front investment. Payments did not begin until satisfactory completion of the $364-million building.

The five-story, 545,000-sq-ft courthouse contains 31 courtrooms, juror assembly space, offices and leasable space. The L-in-plan building spans two city blocks and also includes below-grade secure inmate transfer facilities and detention facilities. Crews also revamped a 399,000-sq-ft parking garage.

A "great room" atrium, enclosed on two ends by a 75-ft-tall cable-supported glass curtain wall system, serves as the single entry point for the public and provides access to a secured central courtyard. Overhead, pedestrian bridges enable staff to move quickly between courtrooms. A ceiling of Brazilian ipe hardwood extends from the lobby out to exterior overhangs at either end.

Due to the PBI delivery method, the building team focused on long-term costs and maintenance requirements rather than the traditional first-cost approach when choosing building equipment and materials.

Key Players

Contractor Clark Construction Group

Owner State of California Judicial Council, Administrative Office of the Courts

Lead Design Firm AECOM

Engineers Nabih Youssef Associates; Syska Hennessy Group; AECOM

Operating Service Provider Johnson Controls Inc.

Subcontractors Benson Industries; ACCO Engineered Systems; Helix Electric; KHS&S Contractors; Largo Concrete; The Herrick Corp.