The Hall of Justice facility in Ventura, California is in the heart of the Ventura County Government Center. Prior to this construction effort, the design of the facility prevented the County of Ventura from effectively controlling access into and out of the structure. Since the facility is the main courthouse for the County, and the police regularly bring criminals to the facility for their hearings, the objective on this project was to secure access and increase security. All exit doors were replaced with exit-only security checkpoints. Metal detectors and x-ray machines were installed at all entrances. Numerous security cameras and card readers were also installed throughout the facility.

In addition to the security upgrades made throughout the facility, the construction work also included American Disabilities Act (ADA) retrofitting of restrooms, a partial expansion of the existing cafeteria, the addition of cross corridor doors, and the remodel of the law library book check-out area.

DACM Project Management prepared a highly detailed baseline schedule which identified the overall phasing of the work throughout the facility such that hearings within the courthouse could continue uninterrupted. This lack of interruption was of paramount importance to the County of Ventura as any disruptive noises could have been challenged as interfering with a jurors ability to hear testimony and as such, a mistrial could possibly result. These constraints required that a great deal of the work take place after hours and on weekends. After a thorough review of the Contract Documents and identifying the logistical issues affecting the work, we researched various approaches to identify the best manner in which to proceed.