The May Lee State Office Complex is the largest facility ever built by California’s Department of General Services and the largest of its kind in the nation. It consolidates several state agencies into a 1.25 million sq. ft., all-electric, zero-carbon campus, replacing some of Sacramento’s oldest government buildings with a modern hub designed for efficiency, sustainability and resilience. Delivered $4.25 million under budget without touching a $28 million contingency, the project exemplifies fiscal and operational discipline.
Targeting net-zero energy and carbon, the campus relies on an all-electric system, rooftop solar panels and future connection to a solar farm. Every design choice, from materials to shading to water conservation, supported its decarbonization goals. As a result, the complex uses 70% less energy than the Architecture 2030 Challenge baseline, a benchmark for measuring progress toward carbon neutrality.
Collaborative, Innovative Delivery
The project team introduced inventive safety solutions to address unique construction challenges. Tools like the Doorminator for single-person heavy door lifts, the Wire Wolf for ladder-free ceiling work, the Line Dragon for easier concrete placement and a Hilti exoskeleton for overhead tasks improved worker safety and efficiency. Other measures enhanced emergency communication and encouraged all team members to share feedback and ideas.
More than 20 partnership meetings brought together tenant groups, regulators, utilities, sustainability advocates and community members. Small focus groups boosted morale and problem-solving, while creative touches — a shared project logo and safety signs inspired by The Office — helped maintain a positive culture. Digital tools and rapid decision making kept the project on track, even through COVID-19 disruptions.
This all-electric campus sets a new standard for California’s office building projects, showing how early collaboration, inventive safety practices and a commitment to sustainability can deliver lasting value.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | California Department of General Services |
| Owner Advisor: | Kitchell |
| Design-Builder: | Hensel Phelps |
| General Contractor: | Hensel Phelps |
| Architects: | ZGF Architects; Dreyfuss + Blackford Architects |
| Engineers: | Thornton Tomasetti; Kleinfelder; RELM; Frank M Booth; Howe Electric; Morton & Pitalo |
| Subcontractors: | Frank M Booth; Howe Electric |
| Project Cost: | $935,745,756 |
| Construction Duration: | 40 Months |
Photos
Photo Credit: Magda Biernat