| The East Valley Water District sought to develop new headquarters to efficiently combine District functions into a single location. The District’s primary goal was to reach out to its customers and the local community. Visioning sessions incorporated input from multiple stakeholder groups and included focus groups, one-on-one interviews, site tours, on-site design charettes.
In addition to identifying the need to create greater synergy and flexibility, it was important to design a facility that considered the historic context of the surrounding San Bernardino National forest, 7 Oaks Dam and Bridge, North Folk Ditch Stone Wall Construction and adjacent orange groves with original irrigation trench.
The 35,000 SF campus features customer service facilities, administration and meeting spaces, boardroom, full service kitchen, maintenance facilities, walking trails, water features, and educational exhibits. Other spaces include a staff lounge that converts into an emergency operations center, wellness center and collaboration areas with connection to the outdoors.
An aggressive timeline presented the greatest challenge for the project team. The District needed a design-build partner to design and construct the facility before their current lease ran out (approximately 14 months after the project’s start) while remaining cost efficient. Teamwork and clear communication resulted in project delivery 71 days ahead of schedule and $400,000 under budget.
The new Water District Headquarters serves as a valuable community resource while paying tribute to their proud water supply history. A strong civic front, welcomes visitors and customers upon their approach to the headquarters. A comprehensive way-finding system guides visitors through the complex; visual displays provide rich historical context for East Valley Water District.
Nestled at the base of the San Bernardino National Forest, the design of the new District Headquarters takes its influence from the natural landscape. Buildings are oriented to take full advantage of the surrounding vistas while rustic materials and a warm, earthy color palette reflect the natural setting.
Derived from the Craftsman style era, the use of wood, stone, metal, and glass celebrate the worth of skilled labor, a prominent characteristic of the District. Interiors evoke that same American Craftsman styling with a rustic feel, blending contemporary elements of recycled metal and glass with natural materials like wood, stone and leather, to create a warm, inviting space. The incorporation of earth tones and rich detailed materials bring the outdoors into the working environment.
The lobby and reception area invites visitors and customers and serves as an impromptu assembly area in association with Board meetings. The Boardroom provides an outdoor overflow space with a trellised plaza overlooking the adjoining demonstration gardens and views to surrounding orange groves.
Special attention was paid to incorporating ample daylighting. Oversized windows and skylights harvest natural light and views for their positive effect on all employees and customers. Every room and circulation space has access to natural light, directly or borrowed.
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