San Diego Central Courthouse

General Contracting

One of BCI’s largest and most successful topping out events.

Situation

BCI’s client, Rudolph and Sletten, Inc., initially contracted with BCI to write a quarterly newsletter about its construction progress of the $555 million new San Diego Central Courthouse, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM). An iconic San Diego building, the Courthouse offers a full-service facility for criminal, civil, probate, family, and small claims matters, with space for court administration, security operations, and holding areas. After retaining BCI to write a technical newsletter, Rudolph and Sletten then sought BCI’s assistance for the Topping Out ceremony for the 400-foot tall, 25-story project.

Strategy

To produce a high-quality newsletter reflective of the massive public investment in the project, BCI engaged its graphic design team to enhance the newsletter’s design with a custom project logo. BCI also expanded the recipient list by hundreds, and strategized with executives on newsletter topics. On a quarterly basis, BCI conducted site tours and interviewed field staff to write the newsletter’s feature stories. BCI also performed media relations, governmental relations, and event production services for the highly successful Topping Out event.

Results

Receiving outstanding feedback, the Courthouse’s construction newsletter became Rudolph and Sletten’s primary communication tool to the development partners and the public about the Courthouse’s construction progress and nuances. The Topping Out, produced by BCI, hosted 1,000 attendees including statewide elected officials, industry VIPs, media, and more than 650 construction workers. It remains one of BCI’s largest and most successful events.