California Construction News staff writer
Turner Construction Company celebrated the groundbreaking of California’s new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center last week, a 60,000-square-foot facility designed to enhance coordination and response during major emergencies 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 new center will serve as a strategic hub supporting response to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other critical events. The facility will complement the State Operations Center in Mather, expanding the state’s emergency management network to better protect over 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.
Located on 15 acres within the former Fairview Developmental Center campus, the complex will include a 39,000-square-foot operations building and 21,000-square-foot warehouse, with full utility, roadway, and security upgrades. The project is designed to achieve Zero Net Energy and LEED Gold certification, featuring solar panels, battery storage, and on-site power systems for uninterrupted operations.
“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.
Completion is scheduled for late 2027.
