How County Finally Got OK to Build Federal Courthouse

Here are some of the events leading to the creation of a facility to house a U.S. District Court branch for Orange County.

1972--Legislation introduced in Congress authorizing construction of a federal court facility in Santa Ana.

October, 1980--Congress passes a measure allowing a federal judge to hold court in Santa Ana, but no money is voted for the project, leaving it to the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to decide how to create the new branch.

July, 1982--The U.S. General Services Administration begins the search for a building in Santa Ana for judges, federal prosecutors and marshals. A 10-year lease is specified.

December, 1982--After 24 possible locations are rated and competitive bidding takes place, the General Services Administration selects a building on West Fourth Street.

February, 1983--Los Angeles federal judges find that the GSA’s proposed site is near “bars” and a “discotheque” and is unsuitable to the “appearance, solemnity and dignity” of the court. The judges prefer another building, less than two blocks away, that would cost more. GSA officials reject the judges’ position, saying that, despite “aesthetics,” they are bound by rules mandating acceptance of the low bid. The judges pass a resolution saying, “This court will refuse to hold court in any such substandard facility.”

July, 1983--GSA cancels the bidding process and begins the search anew.

August, 1984--GSA asks Orange County officials if they can come up with a possible site.

April, 1985--Chief U.S. District Judge Manuel Real tells a cheering group of 300 Orange County lawyers that a temporary structure housing the new branch will be built at Flower Street and Santa Ana Boulevard, on a parking lot owned by the county. GSA officials agree that a lease with the county will be signed and bids let for construction within two months.

September, 1985--County supervisors approve a lease for the property after a year of negotiations. County officials said the delay followed an initial demand by the GSA that the site be provided free of cost. The final deal calls for $115,000 in annual lease payments for 10 years.

September, 1985--With the lease signed, GSA lawyers announce that they have belatedly discovered that congressional funding for construction of the facility was not available.

Jan. 14, 1987--GSA notifies county to vacate the parking lot at Flower and Santa Ana streets, on which it holds an option, within 45 days and signs a contract with a builder to construct the temporary home of the court.