+Architecture/Civic

City of Lake Forest

Lake Forest Civic Center

Vision

The City of Lake Forest is a young municipality, having incorporated in 1991. For 28 years, civic services operated out of rented city hall space and needed a new, permanent home. CJ+C was tasked with designing a civic center that could host multiple user groups, reflect the character of its agrarian history, and proudly represent the citizens it served.

The City envisioned a place for entertainment, social activity, recreation, and conducting official business. Citizens needed a place at which to gather, relax, celebrate, and connect with each other. During the design process, the public’s input was vital. The City of Lake Forest held a series of workshops and surveys to gather thoughts and opinions from residents regarding features and future amenities. It was clear that the surrounding landscape would heavily influence the design. It was also clear that several demographics would rely on this facility.

Project Meta

Client

City of Lake Forest

Completion

2020

Size

120,000 SF

Construction Cost

$67,000,000

LEED Rating

Silver

Markets

Civic

Project Types

Civic

Services

Architecture, Interiors, Landscape Architecture, Site Planning, Sustainability

100-Year-Home

Inspired by the vision and feedback from the community and incorporating the surrounding natural beauty of Lake Forest, the new Civic Center offers a unique place for people to conduct business and enjoy community activities. Coined Lake Forest’s “100-Year” home, the Civic Center does more than establish a permanent residence for City Hall – it serves as the City’s civic heart.

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 00 Sketch 1

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 00 Sketch 2

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 02 Site Plan

Programming

Civic programs are spread out in multiple buildings across the nine-acre site to allow different events to take place simultaneously without impeding operations of the city offices.

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 01 Exterior Community Center 01

Inspired by Nature

The craftsman-style architecture complements Lake Forest’s pastoral landscape and natural topography. Design nuances include exposed structural elements and natural materials seen throughout the campus. Pine meadow, oak chaparral, and riparian landscaping are utilized throughout the campus to further complement the architecture

Inside

Senior Center: The 23,000 s.f. facility includes a kitchen, game room, outdoor patio, and multipurpose rooms. The Senior Center will offer leisure activities, programs, and a comfortable social atmosphere.

Community & Conference Center: This flexible meeting space can accommodate more than 400 people to hold weddings, special events, meetings, and trainings.

Council Chambers & Performing Arts Hall: Anchored by a 50-foot landmark clock tower, the Performing Arts Hall seats over 200 and provides state-of-the-art audiovisual and acoustic capabilities.

City Hall & Policing Center: Prominently located at the entrance of the Civic Center, this is the main building that houses City administrative offices providing community services.

Parking Deck: The Parking Deck accommodates more than 300 vehicles and is equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

“You can’t help but be impressed by the efforts of this design team to put together something that is a destination point and will become the talk of the town for quite a few years,”

-Franklin Chocco, Portola Hills resident

Awards

American Public Works Association

Public Works Project of the Year 2021

American Society of Civil Engineers – LA Chapter

Architectural Engineering Project of the Year 2020

USGBC – LA Chapter

Sustainable Innovation Award of Merit for Water Strategy

Project Gallery

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 00 Hero

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 01 Exterior 01

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 01 Exterior City Hall

Carrier Johnson - Lake Forest Civic Center - 01 Exterior Senior Center