Coronado, California is a small peninsula in San Diego Bay best known for gorgeous beaches, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and a sweeping landmark bridge as part of its skyline. In 2005, the City of Coronado cut the ribbon on a new 60,000 square foot civic center complex with a City Hall and Community Center that features recreation facilities, meeting space, a playhouse and an aquatics center.

Much like the performing arts it will showcase within, the exterior of the new building is a celebration of creativity, using a unique pattern of over 12,000 pieces of HardieShingle siding, over 10,000 square feet of HardieSoffit® panels and approximately 8,000 linear feet of HardieTrim® XLD planks, combined with natural stone. Needless to say, this isn't your father's typical government building.

"I think everyone fell in love with it," says Glenn Stewart, Vice President of Operations for El Cajon, California-based D.A. Whitacre Construction, Inc., the project's framing contractor and siding installer.

According to Stewart, the 27-year-old construction firm has done "quite a few" projects using James Hardie products over the last three years, ranging from multi-story family units, to libraries and commercial structures. "You can actually get creative with it," he comments. Stewart adds that the Hardie products are a pleasure to work with, and that "we give it our recommendation when asked" about the materials.

The San Diego office of PCL Construction Services, Inc. served as the General Contractor for the new facility. The architecture firm of Robbins Jorgensen Christopher designed the complex after extensive community participation, according to Roberta Jorgensen, FAIA, who was Principal-in-Charge at the time.

Jorgensen, now with Jorgensen Architects, in Newport Beach, says residents and city officials "wanted the project to have a 'Coronado' feel to it," she recalls, "they didn't want it to look like a typical municipal complex."

Indeed, the architectural style nicely complements Coronado's existing village atmosphere. It also adds a graceful focal point to the city's $30 million capital improvement project, which includes a continuous waterfront promenade, courtyard, and plazas.

Jorgensen says that James Hardie was specified for the building's exterior because the designers wanted a material that had a traditional appearance, but with the ability to resist mold and mildew—a prudent decision considering the building's bay front setting. "You don't want to build in maintenance or safety issues," she commented, noting that Hardie was also selected due to its low maintenance and fire resistant qualities.

Budgetary concerns are paramount in any municipal project, and Jorgensen says the Hardie fiber cement products are cost effective. Additionally, "when you compare it to concrete or brick veneer, it's lighter and much easier to deal with," she advises.

The building has enjoyed positive feedback from both the community and visitors alike, according to Hayes.

Now the City of Coronado is blessed with exceptional beaches (rated number two in the country by the Travel Channel), fabulous weather and a stunning, low maintenance civic center for its approximately 26,000 residents. It's a shining example of how government buildings, when taken to the next level architecturally, can contribute to a more beautiful town center.

Streetscapes Online, Volume 4 <