9:20am | State officials have selected the architectural firm that will build and manage the new Long Beach Courthouse, scheduled to begin construction in September 2010 and hopefully open by the Fall of 2012. The decision was made by the state Administrative Office of the Courts.
The design of Long Beach Judicial Partners was chosen over two other finalists. The project has drawn attention from national media and praise from local officials for its experimental process of building a major government structure in times of financial difficulty.
The courthouse will be built under a public-private partnership. Last December, Wall Street Journal reporter Bob Sechler wrote:
California officials estimate the cost of the 31-courtroom Long Beach facility at upwards of $300 million if built conventionally using tax dollars or bond funds. Instead, the privatization plan calls for the state to lease back the facility under a 35-year agreement.
The selected private operator will own the building until it reverts to the state after the duration of the deal. The operator will be able to add “compatible” retail space as well, which could include things such as coffee shops or copy centers.
The new building will be located between Broadway and 3rd Street in downtown Long Beach. First District Councilmember Robert Garcia, whose jurisdiction encompasses the location, said that he requested that the state ensure the design they selected would be environmentally friendly, physically inspiring, and include ample parking.
“The new courthouse will be a central feature of our downtown for many years to come, and the selection process was highly competitive,” Garcia said in a statement.
“My congratulations go to Long Beach Judicial Partners — a consortium led by Meridiam Infrastructure – for their winning design and all their hard work. I am confident they will not only build a beautiful courthouse, but that they will manage it efficiently and safely.”
Proposed design by Long Beach Judicial Partners
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