Turner Construction Company has officially broken ground on California’s new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center—an advanced facility planned to significantly strengthen the state’s ability to coordinate and respond to crises across Southern California.
State officials, emergency response leaders, and Turner representatives gathered to mark the start of construction on the 60,000-square-foot complex, which will serve as a major command hub when wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other large-scale emergencies threaten communities.
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The center is being developed for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in collaboration with the Department of General Services (DGS). It will operate as a regional extension of the State Operations Center in Mather—bringing faster support, stronger technology, and better alignment between agencies responsible for protecting nearly 23 million people.
“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.”
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward emphasized how the new hub will directly support frontline decision-making during disaster scenarios:
“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,” Ward said.
Situated on 15 acres at the former Fairview Developmental Center campus, the project includes:
✅ 39,000-sq-ft Operations Building
✅ 21,000-sq-ft Logistics Warehouse
✅ Upgraded utility systems, secure access, and improved roadway infrastructure
Once operational, the site will enable statewide and local emergency personnel to rapidly activate aid distribution, deploy response teams, and maintain communications even if major power disruptions occur elsewhere.
To ensure it remains fully functional during hazardous conditions, the facility will feature:
• Zero Net Energy design
• On-site power generation and storage
• Solar photovoltaic systems
• Battery backup for uninterrupted operation
• Targeted LEED Gold certification
DGS Director Ana M. Lasso highlighted the statewide investment in resilient infrastructure:
“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 Lasso.
California continues to adapt emergency management systems due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. This project is part of a broader regional resiliency push including enhanced wildfire command facilities, mutual aid coordination improvements, and expanded technology for real-time monitoring and communication.
Construction is underway and completion is expected in late 2027. Once operational, the center will play a critical role in ensuring rapid, unified response and long-term community protection.
Originally reported by Turner Construction.
