The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors broke ground on Nov. 29 for the new medical examiner and morgue facility. The new facility will replace the current morgue facility at the Sheriff’s Office Complex in French Camp.
“The Board of Supervisors wants to ensure the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s office remains up to date, with proper space and equipment to allow them to best serve the residents of our county,” commented Board Chairman Robert Rickman. “The medical examiner’s work is vital for the families of San Joaquin County, whether it is to pursue justice or closure for those who have lost a loved one. This new space will provide the best possible environment for both our employees and the members of the public we are committed to serve.”
The proposed project is a single-story approximately 18,000 sq. ft. building and is estimated to cost approximately $25 million. The design concept will provide a controlled environment for security with sufficient space for forensic equipment and adequate space for staff to efficiently complete tasks. Public spaces will be well defined and situated to meet necessary needs for access, information, privacy, and expression of grief. Officials said the design encourages interaction among staff while assuring confidentiality when required; emphasizes the dignified handling of the decedent’s remains and property while accommodating the needs of forensic investigation and chain of evidence; and provides a facility with the flexibility to efficiently accommodate change and future expansion.
The project will be under the direction of Whiting-Turner.
Founded in 1909, Whiting-Turner is one of the country’s premier design-build construction contractors. They have successfully delivered an impressive portfolio of high quality, efficient government and municipal facilities through innovation, collaboration, and industry best practices. Based on those factors, Whiting-Turner’s proposal was deemed the most advantageous and competitively superior for San Joaquin County, and supervisors awarded the contract to Whiting-Turner. The project is expected to take approximately 20 months, with an expected completion date of August 2025.D
