2025 Southwest Best Projects
Award of Merit, Government/Public Building: Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner

Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner
Phoenix
Award of Merit
Submitted by Kitchell Contractors
Owner Maricopa County
Lead Design Firm Dekker
Construction Manager Kitchell Contractors
Structural Engineer PK Associates
MEP Engineer Bridgers and Paxton
Strategic sequencing for this 45,000-sq-ft renovation was critical because construction zones were often surrounded by occupied spaces with live MEP systems. To modernize the facility’s interior by converting outdated laboratory areas into functional office and meeting spaces, the project teams worked meticulously to identify systems that could be safely removed and those that had to remain active to ensure seamless operations. This included overhauling the building-wide domestic water system that served critical spaces such as the autopsy room and all restrooms.
Rigorous cleanliness protocols were maintained throughout the project to ensure zero contamination and disruption. Security and chain-of-custody protocols were also upheld, with enhanced access controls to protect sensitive spaces and maintain evidence integrity.
Construction zones were visually shielded to preserve the dignity of the spaces for grieving families and law enforcement personnel.
On the exterior, three crane lifts were required to install new rooftop mechanical units to improve building energy performance, necessitating temporary closures along busy streets in close coordination with the city of Phoenix to ensure public safety and minimize traffic impacts.
Along with preserving building operations, the team’s carefully crafted approach allowed a mid-project addition of $1.5 million in owner-approved upgrades to be absorbed without affecting the overall schedule.

