Chet Holifield Federal Building
The Chet Holifield Federal Building, locally known as the Ziggurat, in Laguna Niguel has declined in its usefulness to the US government despite ongoing use by the Department of Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service. Plans to demolish the unique building designed by William Pereria were met with an outcry from preservationists. Efforts to find an equitable adaptive reuse solution appear to have ended with a decision to sell the building. In light of estimates that mitigation and renovation efforts will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, it’s hard to say what the final disposition of this architectural gem will be.
Laguna Niguel, Orange County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt
The Chet Holifield Federal Building (Ziggurat) occupies about 92 acres in Laguna Niguel. The seven-story building has over 1 million square feet of floor space. The initial effort to sell it by auction closed on April 12, 2023, with no bidders. Property use requirements have been revised for a second auction. Bids for purchase will be accepted starting June 5, 2024.
The General Services Administration has offered tours for prospective bidders and the local community of the Laguna Ridge (Chet Holifield Federal Building) property in Laguna Niguel in advance of bidding starting June 5, 2024.
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt