FAQs

What is the vision for the Civic Center? 

The Civic Center will be a place where the public can enjoy classes at the Community Center, spend time with their friends at the Senior Center, or take in a play at the Performing Arts Center. Coined Lake Forest’s “100-Year” home, the Civic Center will do more than establish permanent residence for City Hall – it will serve as the civic heart of the City. It will include public facilities that address several of the community’s unmet needs while providing an inviting and welcoming public space for everyone.

Where will the Civic Center be located?

South of Commercentre Drive at 100 Civic Center Drive

What will the Civic Center campus include? 

• Senior Center  
• Community and Conference Center 
• Council Chambers/Performing Arts Hall
• City Administrative Buildings
• Community Policing Center 
• Emergency Communication Center
• Two-level Parking Garage and Surface Parking (465 plus total site parking spots)
• Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
• Connections Serrano Creek Trail
• Main Outdoor Civic Plaza

 View Civic Center Handout

How was the community involved in the design process? 

The public’s input was vital to the design process. In 2016, the City held a series of workshops to gather thoughts and opinions from residents regarding future amenities and features, and to focus on certain buildings, such as the Senior Center. The City also posted an online survey to collect community feedback.

How much does the project cost? 

The overall project comprised of hard costs (e.g. construction cost and contingency) and soft costs (e.g. architectural, construction management, insurance, environmental permit compliance, etc.) will be determined based upon the final design. Currently, the total estimated project cost is $73 million.

How will the Civic Center project be paid for? 

Public Facility Fees are the primary source of funding. The developer of each new home built in the City as part of the Opportunity Study Area is assessed a fee to provide for the construction of new public facilities, like the Civic Center.

Will taxes be raised to pay for the project?

No. Public Facility fees paid by new home developers is the primary source of funding.

What did the City do to address potential environmental concerns? 

The City worked with the Army Corps of Engineers, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to meet all environmental permitting requirements. The City will continue to monitor and report on required environmental issues throughout the duration of the project. In addition, Civic Center buildings will be LEED and CalGreen certified meaning they will use less water and energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will consider energy efficiency when in operation.

When will the Civic Center project be completed?

The Civic Center project is a multi-year project and is expected to be completed in summer 2019.

 How do I stay informed about the progress of the Civic Center project? 

Stay current on Civic Center news by subscribing to the mailing list. Project information is also posted on the City's Facebook page.

​Updated April 14, 2017