New County Admin Building Opens Tuesday In Martinez

MARTINEZ, CA — Contra Costa County will unveil its new administrative building Tuesday.

The county calls it "a new cutting-edge office administration building and civic plaza located in the heart of downtown Martinez."

The new building stands on the site previously occupied by the 12-story former county building built in 1964. The site also held the old county jail, which was built in 1902.

County supervisors awarded a $58 million construction contract to Webcor in 2021 to demolish the old building and replace it with the new three-story structure.

"The new building showcases state-of-the-art architecture that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historic buildings, rejuvenating the public plaza," the county said Friday in a statement. "It embodies sustainability with on-site photovoltaics for high-performance energy use, responsibly sourced finishes, and low embodied carbon materials."

The building includes a new public law library, ground-floor retail spaces and a parking garage. It also includes street improvements and an advanced stormwater system tailored to the site's unique groundwater challenges and topography.

The new site will hold several county administrative departments, including the public defender's office, the office of racial equity and social justice, and the county sheriff's civil division.

Funding for the project came from $45 million in bonds issued in 2021, with the rest coming from the county's general fund capital reserves.

Tuesday's grand opening will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in the plaza at 1026 Escobar St. in Martinez. Speakers will include Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn and chief assistant county administrator Eric Angstadt.

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