‘Ziggurat’ a Temple of Hope : Laguna Niguel Federal Building ‘Breaking Even’

When does a “white elephant” turn into a “swan”?

When it is the Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel.

The giant structure is more commonly known as the “Ziggurat” because of its distinctive terraced design resembling an ancient Babylonian or Assyrian temple.

Less than five years ago, the Ziggurat was such a drag on the General Services Administration’s budget that the agency sought a buyer. Although the building was appraised at $77 million in 1987, the top offer was $22 million.

Expanded Use by Agencies

For many years the cavernous seven-story building was less than half full, and operating costs ate up revenue at an astounding rate. But times have changed.

According to GSA spokeswoman Mary Filippini in San Francisco, extensive renovating is under way to accommodate expanded use by the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Internal Revenue Service.

“When that work is completed next July, the Ziggurat will be more than 95% occupied,” she said.

In addition, she said, the area around the massive structure at 24000 Avila Road is rapidly developing with homes and commercial centers so that it is no longer an isolated monument.

The Ziggurat is still only about 60% occupied, according to Greg Ward, GSA building manager, but is “breaking even” so far as the government is concerned.

The Ziggurat was built in 1971 by Rockwell International for its aeronautics division, but when a recession hit the aerospace industry it was never occupied.

Disposal Urged

In 1974, the GSA traded two federally owned manufacturing plants in Canoga Park and El Segundo for the building, and for many years it was less than half full. A visitor could wander its labyrinth of halls and never see a soul. Its vast, empty rooms echoed to strange footsteps and sounds. Finding a particular office was a challenge.

One GSA study in 1982 labeled the building “the worst example of under-utilized federal property,” and urged its disposal.

Now among the federal agencies occupying the premises are the National Archives, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Probation and Parole Service, Department of Defense, Railroad Retirement Board and Social Security Administration.

It is the largest federal building in Orange County, with nearly 1 million square feet of floor space and occupying 92 acres. Nearly 2,000 people work there every day. According to Filippini, it would cost well in excess of $100 million to replace.

Even Rep. Robert Badham (R-Newport Beach) in whose district the building is located and who once advocated its sale, now believes it is justifying its existence and should be retained by the government.