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The Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Center (ESC) will be the home for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Sacramento Kings starting with the 2016 season. The ESC will also be host to other sporting events and a variety of family and cultural activities. Development of the ESC is expected to be a catalyst for redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown core.

The ESC arena project is located within the central-eastern portion of the Downtown Plaza development roughly within the area bounded by J and L Streets and 5th and 7th Streets in Downtown Sacramento. The existing Downtown Plaza development includes several two- to four-level retail/commercial buildings and two levels of subterranean parking.

Geocon is the Geotechnical Engineer of Record for the project and is providing geotechnical and environmental engineering services to the ESC project design and development team. Specific geotechnical challenges for the project include: soft, compressible silt soil within the top 25 feet, potentially liquefiable sand between 25 and 40 feet; and shallow groundwater. Given these constraints and the magnitude of structural loading, Geocon developed design and construction recommendations for low-vibration, drilled-displacement deep foundations to support the structure.

We have further provided assessments for potential soil and groundwater environmental contamination, performed pre-demolition structure surveys, provided asbestos/lead-paint/universal waste abatement specifications, and will provide engineering consultation and monitoring services during abatement, demolition, dewatering, mass excavation/earthwork, and foundation construction activities.

We are privileged to be part of the world-class design team and to be involved in this transformative and energizing project for the City of Sacramento.

The Los Angeles River Revitalization Project is aimed at reconnecting and revitalizing the river’s neighborhoods by creating a network of trails, parks, habitat areas, recreational facilities, green streets, portals, and bridges. The City of Los Angeles adopted the long-range Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan in 2007 and is hoping that the project will create healthy and vibrant communities with more open space, better recreational facilities, and enhanced green infrastructure.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the City of Los Angeles, released a proposal to restore 11 miles of the LA River between Griffith Park and Downtown Los Angeles. Restoration measures include “creation and reestablishment of historic riparian strand and freshwater marsh habitat to support increased populations of wildlife and enhance habitat connectivity within the study area, as well as to provide opportunities for connectivity to ecological zones, such as the Santa Monica Mountains, Verdugo Hills, and San Gabriel Mountains.”

Alternative 13 or ACE (Arbor Corridor Extension) proposes to restore the channel along most of the 11-mile stretch, widen an 80-foot stretch along Taylor Yard, restore the historic wash at Piggyback Yard, increase the amount of restored habitat by over 100 percent, restore the connection to Arroyo Seco watershed, and add four miles of trails, a pedestrian tunnel and three bridges throughout the project area.

A Draft Integrated Feasibility Report (IFR), which includes a Draft Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, is now available for a 45-day review period from September 20 through November 5, 2013.

Geocon is currently performing environmental consultation, as well as geotechnical and materials testing and inspection services, for the construction of the Taylor Yard Transit Village,  a mixed-use, transit-oriented development by McCormack Baron Salazar. This development is situated on a 247-acre former rail yard with over two miles of river frontage located near Downtown Los Angeles, opposite of Elysian Park. The planned development consists of a transit station, apartment buildings, town homes, mixed-use and retail structures. This will be an exciting new addition to the developing mixed-use and transit-oriented living scene and presents extraordinary opportunities for river restoration, stormwater detention, recreational resources, and economic revitalization.

Useful Links:

Los Angeles River Revitalization Homepage

Draft Integrated Feasibility Report

LA River Corp