The California Department of General Services (DGS), under the direction of Governor Gray Davis, broke ground today in Sacramento for the Franchise Tax Board's new, 1 million square-foot office complex.

"This project is the latest example of the State of California's commitment to  environment-friendly and worker-friendly, sustainable design and construction," said DGS Interim Director Clothilde Hewlett. "The new complex is designed to exceed state building code energy efficiency standards by more than 20 percent, which will result in significant energy savings."

When completed, the State Office Building at Butterfield Way will be home to approximately 4,500 Franchise Tax Board employees, and a "town center" featuring an auditorium, child care center and other amenities. The project also includes a warehouse, central heating and cooling plant, and parking.

The complex features several sustainability features including strong indoor air quality standards, water quality control systems, and energy efficiency measures. Building materials and modular furniture were selected for high recycled content and low emissions. Employees will be encouraged to use alternative means of transit including a light rail station located just 75 feet away from the complex.
Additionally, the project will create hundreds of construction jobs, and will save taxpayers millions of dollars by consolidating state employees, currently housed at several leased locations, into a single state-owned facility. 

Employees are expected to begin occupying the new office complex in 2004.