A LEED GOLD CERTIFIED COMMUNITY BEACON DESIGNED
AND DELIVERED IN 11 MONTHS
Designed with the community in mind, the concept for the Center
of Public Health and its form was derived from the idea of a
beacon — a source of guidance, help, welcome and inspiration.
Not only did the concept address the County’s goal to provide
the highest quality of patient care in a compassionate, culturally
competent, state-of-the-art facility, but it also provides a strong
sense of community within the dynamic and flexible spaces of the
building.
Design-Build. In a design-build delivery method, the team chose
to use tilt-up construction for the building frame which was key to
meeting the aggressive construction schedule for public funding
deadlines. The team also utilized a fast-track incremental permit
process to allow concurrent design and construction resulting
in an 11-month overall project duration, including design.  In
addition, the construction duration was reduced by 69 days and
delivered 20 days ahead of schedule.
Community and Design. The dynamic facade crafted in precast panels and glass met the design imperative for a lively,
sophisticated building envelope. The bold canopy and wide glass
doors, a phyisical gesture of openness and transparency, open
onto the pedestrian plaza and can be used as an outdoor space
for health fairs and other community activities. Public views
and access to the fitness park extends the theme of health and
wellness into the community. With its contemporary architectural
presence, the building is leading the way in repositioning the
entire MLK medical district.
Program.
• Clinical spaces: pharmacy, laboratory and nurse stations
• Administrative offices
• Community kitchen for cooking demonstrations
• Flexible conference rooms space for teaching, meetings, and
public gatherings