COSTA MESA, Calif. — State leaders and project partners gathered recently to mark the groundbreaking of California’s new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, a $158 million, 60,000-square-foot facility designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and response across Southern California.
Commissioned by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and delivered in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS), the center will serve as a strategic hub for coordinating responses to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other critical emergencies. It will complement the State Operations Center in Mather, expanding California’s emergency management network to better protect more than 23 million residents in the region.
“We’re proud to partner with Cal OES and DGS to deliver a facility that advances California’s emergency response capabilities,” said Joe Pobanz, Project Executive, Turner Construction Company. “Our team is committed to building an efficient, resilient, and sustainable operations center that will serve as a cornerstone for protecting communities across Southern California.”
“This facility gives us the tools, technology, and space to make coordinated, decisive actions with our local partners—actions that will protect lives and property when disaster strikes,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.
Design and Construction:
Architects: DGA Architects, known for their expertise in civic and mission-critical facilities.
Builder: Turner Construction Company, leading the design-build team.
Scope:
39,000-square-foot operations building for 24/7 emergency staff and communications.
21,000-square-foot warehouse for vehicle storage, logistics, and radio maintenance.
Full utility, roadway, and security upgrades across the 15-acre site.
The project is designed to achieve Zero Net Energy and LEED Gold certification, incorporating solar panels, battery storage, and on-site power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations during crises.
Strategic Importance
Located on the former Fairview Developmental Center campus in Costa Mesa, the facility will act as a backup to Sacramento’s primary emergency operations center, ensuring continuity of government and disaster response if the state’s northern hub is compromised. It will also provide a central meeting space for first responders, elected officials, and emergency managers during major incidents.
“DGS welcomes the opportunity to partner with Cal OES as we join forces to bring vital state resources closer to the millions of residents who will be served by this innovative new Southern California campus,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso.
Timeline
Construction is expected to take two years, with completion scheduled for late 2027. Once operational, the Costa Mesa center will stand as one of California’s most advanced emergency management facilities, reinforcing the state’s resilience against natural disasters and public health emergencies.
