Solano County, one of the fastest growing counties in the State of California recently brought its many government departments together under one roof as part of a state-wide comprehensive consolidation effort. The project consists of a six story, 300,000 square foot administration building with a five-level parking garage equipped with a large photovoltaic array and multiple electric vehicle stations, plus an adjacent two-story, 43,000-square-foot probation building and a 25,000-square-foot public plaza. The new Government Center now houses over 800 county employees, combining 16 departments from 15 different locations in two cities. The project embodies the smart-growth strategies of modern infill development located within walking distance of Main Street and a multi-model transportation center.

The 6-story administration building, LEED SILVER certified, incorporates many sustainable features including the recycling of major building materials and a gray-water recovery system. The building also exceeds California’s Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards through the use of high-efficiency electrical equipment, low ambient lighting systems, and a large. photovoltaic array for the conversion of solar energy to electrification. The principal project goal was to create a landmark community building at the historic center of Fairfield. The generous central lobby incorporates publicly funded artwork and serves as a public gathering space for exhibits, press conferences and community events.