Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not listed in this section, please contact our project team.

Why are you demolishing the GA Building rather than renovating it?

The General Administration Building is a poor work environment because its lighting and mechanical systems are below current standards and the building needs seismic upgrades. The cost of renovating the building is about the same as constructing a new facility.

Unlike the GA Building, the Heritage Center & Executive Office Building will be energy efficient and healthy for both visitors and employees. Products chosen for these structures will be sustainable, reusable, durable and good for the environment.

How much will the project cost?

The Heritage Center will cost about $141 million and the Executive Office Building will be about $80 million. To ensure our design matches that budget, cost estimates are made at each phase of design by the architects, engineers and construction manager according to current design documents. The estimates are then reconciled to ensure the designers and builders are on the same page. If an estimate came in over budget, we would adjust the building's design to meet the budget allocated by the Legislature.

What is design development?

In design development, the architects continue to build on the work done during schematic design. The attention now turns to the development of the landscape design and the civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. During this phase, more detailed exterior and interior design features are developed.

The general construction manager will also participate constructability review, construction schedule development and value engineering, if needed, to maintain the budget.

Will you be closing Columbia Street?

There will be temporary closures of both Columbia and 11th streets during construction. However, Columbia Street will re-open after the construction of the Heritage Center & Executive Office Building Project is complete.