Turner Construction Company, in partnership with design-build collaborator DGA Architects, has been awarded a contract by the Department of General Services to build a cutting-edge $158 million Emergency Operations Center for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Located in Costa Mesa, California, this facility is designed to significantly improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities across Southern California, providing essential infrastructure for disaster management and emergency coordination.
The new Emergency Operations Center will be a key asset in the state’s efforts to enhance its ability to respond to a wide array of emergencies, ranging from natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires to public health crises, cybersecurity threats, and homeland security concerns. The center will enable coordinated, high-level management of state resources in times of crisis, ensuring that California is prepared and resilient in the face of a diverse range of emergencies.
One of the most notable features of the facility will be its sustainable energy infrastructure. The building will incorporate state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage systems, and emergency generators, making it capable of operating autonomously during power outages. Additionally, the facility will be built to meet Zero Net Energy (ZNE) standards, meaning it will generate as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year, furthering California’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is responsible for planning, preparing, and coordinating responses to emergencies throughout the state. These include a variety of threats, such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, droughts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, and disasters affecting agriculture and wildlife. The new operations center will serve as a hub for Cal OES’s efforts to safeguard residents, businesses, and infrastructure, improving the state’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to any crisis.
“We are proud to work alongside the Department of General Services and DGA Architects to deliver this vital emergency operations center,” said Reed McMains, Vice President and General Manager at Turner Construction Company. “This project represents a significant investment in the community’s safety and preparedness, and our team is fully committed to ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality, functionality, and resilience.”
Construction on the Emergency Operations Center is slated for completion in mid-2027, marking a major milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its disaster response infrastructure and ensure that the state is ready to tackle any emergency that may arise.
