San Diego Central Library

General Contracting

One of the great civic buildings of Southern California.

Situation

Unmistakable in the San Diego skyline, the $185 million San Diego Central Library features a landmark dome that distinguishes the library from its angular neighbors. The structure is one of the great civic buildings of Southern California, and plays a crucial role as the hub of the 35-branch San Diego Public Library system. The 294,673-square-foot, nine-story library includes: bay view terraces; roof gardens; a café; a state-of-the-art, 350-seat auditorium; a three-story reading room; six meeting rooms; 22 Wi-Fi study rooms; 407 computer stations; and 1.25 million volumes. It also contains a 76,000-square-foot charter high school serving approximately 500 students.

Strategy

While representing the project’s builder, Turner Construction Company, BCI kept the public apprised of construction progress of the new Central Library. From concrete pours to the Topping Out of the iconic dome, BCI leveraged the project’s unique design, numerous features, and fundraising campaign to keep public interest high and maximize media exposure for the project and its builder. BCI also involved significant City and State officials, and philanthropists in the events and construction progress.

Results

Informing the public and facilitating communication amongst all partners and the City of San Diego was key to the project’s success. BCI garnered dozens of media articles for Turner Construction Company, leveraging its role as the builder of the highly-anticipated new Central Library. BCI secured a full-page article in the San Diego Union-Tribune about Turner Construction Company’s numerous projects throughout San Diego County, citing the iconic Library. Publications across the country, such as Urban Land Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Metal Architecture Magazine, concrete publications, and educational publications highlighted the project as a model for urban renewal, urban education resources, and community placemaking.