Project:
TAIT was tasked with providing final site engineering design services for a new four-acre campus for the County of Orange Social Services Agency that consists of an administration building and seven buildings providing housing and other services to individuals within the County’s care. Design was completed in 2007 and the construction of the $23 million campus is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

Project Challenges:
The project presented a myriad of design challenges, from maximizing open space areas, providing ADA accessibility to all building entrances and along all walk ways, designing separate private domestic and fire services, along with a private sewer system, and minimize the project’s drainage requirements. TAIT’s design effort also required developing a balance earthwork program, while raising the building pads above existing ground to provide adequate flood protection for the buildings. Project approvals had to be obtained from the County of Orange, City of Tustin and the Irvine Ranch Water District.

TAIT Solutions:
TAIT’s approach to completing the service was based on many years of experience working on projects located in Tustin Legacy (a 1000-acre planned redevelopment of a USMC Air Station) and the existing relationships with the approving agencies. TAIT’s knowledge of the site and the agency requirements allowed design plans to be completed quickly, and enabled the County of Orange to save money by fully utilizing existing drainage and utilities to serve the site, and developing a perimeter wall and fencing program that reduced the cost of the project’s perimeter walls.