Masonry Magazine March 1972 Page. 8
The Fairfield Assembly Hall is sited on the shore of a three-acre man-made lake.
Fairfield Civic Center
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It is a very good material for interior walls. This fact makes it possible to develop a strong continuity between exterior wall surfaces and interior wall surfaces. I also like the fact that it is maintenance free," Hawley told IMI.
The Assembly Hall's huge skylight is 44 feet above floor level and illuminates the interior with natural light. The large sloping windows used on the facade of the Council Chamber perform the same function but also play an acoustical role, Architect Hawley explained. "The interior volume within the Chamber was sharply reduced, and the 'bounce' of the sound waves is diffused, eliminating echoes and reverberations," he explained.
The 33-acre Civic Center represents a remarkable transformation of a World War II "temporary" housing project. The City purchased the Waterman Park site on November 24, 1953, from the Federal Government. City Hall offices were moved into the project's old cafeteria on January 1, 1954, and as a Housing Authority began operating the project. Later, the Council administered a HUD Section 23 leased housing program and relocated the families in more adequate quarters. An architectural competition was then held for design of the Civic Center master plan. Architect Hawley's inspired entry was selected from 40 submitted by northern and central California architects.
The current five-building complex includes the 33,000 sq. ft., 4-story City Hall building, the 13,000 sq. ft., 1-story Police Administration Building, the 1-story, 3,000 sq. ft., 108-seat Council Chamber building, the 1-story 15,000 sq. ft. Community Center for recreational and cultural activities, and the 1-story, 11,000 sq. ft.. 750-seat Assembly Hail for concerts, theatrical productions, and other such events.
The grounds were designed and sculptured by Landscape Architects Ribera and Sue. Solano Concrete served as Site Work Contractor. The structural engineer was GFDS Engineers, of San Francisco. Dedication ceremonies involved Donald F. Pinkerton, Director of Housing and Community Development for the State of California, the Honorable Loyal V. Hanson, Mayor of the City of Fairfield, the Honorable John V. Tunney, U.S. Senator, and others.
The masonry of the Council Chamber's dramatic interior is highlighted by a sloping ceiling and natural light.