Turner Celebrates the Completion of $490 Million Resources Building Renovation

The building is now a modern, sustainable, and high-performing workplace for the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

The State of California, Department of General Services (DGS) and Turner Construction Company celebrated the completion of the $490 million Resources Building Renovation project, a transformative effort that has reimagined one of Sacramento’s government buildings into a modern, sustainable, and high-performing workplace for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Originally built in 1964, the Resources Building has long been on the State’s Project Infrastructure Fund program plan to address the health and safety of the building occupants and to extend the useful life and viability of the building by correcting the fire/life safety deficiencies and completely upgrading all infrastructure systems.

A Landmark Transformation in Sacramento

The 17-story, 657,000 sq. ft. Natural Resources Building underwent a full renovation that included demolition down to the steel frame, seismic upgrades, replacement of all major building systems, and installation of a new high-performance curtainwall façade. The project delivers modern amenities such as collaborative workspaces, training rooms, fitness facilities, bicycle storage, and a welcoming new lobby, while honoring the building’s historic international style architecture.

“I am so grateful for the assemblage of dedicated and talented team members whose efforts have enhanced the skyline of Sacramento while creating a secure yet welcoming urban workplace for all,” said Tammy Jow, Studio Principal with AC Martin. “The successful completion of the Resources Building Renovation is a shining example of the State’s commitment to resilience and sustainability, while demonstrating the power and efficiencies of the Progressive Design-Build delivery method. AC Martin is proud to have led the design effort with a team of professionals who exemplify ‘Design-Build done right.’”

The Resources Building is targeting LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy, setting a new standard for sustainable government facilities in California.

Collaboration and Innovation

The project was delivered using the Progressive Design-Build model, which emphasized early collaboration between Turner, architects AC Martin and HGA, Gilbane-Cypress, trade partners, and DGS. This integrated approach accelerated design and construction, improved risk management, and ensured the State received maximum value from the project.

“The Progressive Design-Build project team created a Big Room environment that promoted close collaboration and transparency on all levels that included every trade partner on the project throughout design and construction,” said John Webber, Project Director, Department of General Services. “The team completely renovated and transformed one of the state’s worst buildings into a state-of-the-art office tower. Turner took a unique approach to demolishing the exterior façade coupled with a top-down construction sequence that saved a lot of time on their schedule. When the owner came to Turner with less than 1 year remaining on their 4-year contract and requested an early Certificate of Occupancy to support an early Bond sale, Turner did not hesitate to look at their schedule to come up with a plan to achieve that goal and through all the challenges the project faced, the project received their Certificate of Occupancy over 2 months early saving the state millions of dollars, all while keeping within the original budget.”

A Workplace for the Future

The renovated Resources Building now provides the State of California with a resilient, efficient, and inspiring workplace that will serve thousands of employees and visitors for decades to come. This project represents not just the renewal of a building, but the advancement of a vision for government facilities that reflect California’s leadership in sustainability, design excellence, and public service.

“Driven by a deep commitment to social equity and enduring, impactful design, the HGA team proudly collaborated to transform the Resources Building into an inspiring and modern work environment for the State’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency to do their best work and to be proud of their service to California’s government,” said Beth Young, Public/Corporate Practice Group Leader, HGA

A Commitment to People and Planet

The Department of General Services’ dedication to creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace is evident in every detail of the Resources Building renovation. From fostering wellness through access to daylight, outdoor patios, and fitness amenities, to supporting car-alternative commuting and Zero Net Energy operations, DGS has demonstrated its deep care for the people who will occupy this building.

“The completion of the Resources Building ahead of schedule is something our entire team can be proud of. This achievement reflects the incredible collaboration, trust, and dedication shared by everyone involved,” said Wendy MacLeod, Project Executive, Turner Construction Company. “Together, we transformed a historic building into a modern, sustainable workplace that will serve Californians for generations to come. This project truly exemplifies what’s possible when a team commits to transparency, innovation, and shared success.”

The two major departments located in this Building will be the Employment Development Department (EDD) and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), along with other smaller departments, boards, and panels. The Department of General Services is scheduled to move into the building on November 3rd, with the tenant groups following on December 1st.

“The success of this project is also a testament to the collaborative spirit that defined it, where Turner, DGS,  AC Martin, HGA, Cypress-Gilbane, trade partners, and more than 20 user groups worked hand-in-hand from the earliest stages of design through construction," said Jim Hull, Vice President, Turner Construction Company. “Together, we’ve delivered not only a revitalized landmark but a forward-looking workplace that truly reflects California’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and its workforce."