Citrus Heights Water District Celebrates 95th Anniversary and Grand Re-Opening
Dec 08, 2015 12:00AM ● By Sources: Elise Spleiss, Bob Churchill
Even the oranges have a story at the newly refurbished Citrus Heights Water District's Administration Offices. The oranges are made of concrete and were purchased from a firm in San Jose. The leaves were crafted by staff from the remains of old shovels. Photo by Elise Spleiss
November 10th marked the 95th anniversary of the Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD), which was formed in 1920.
The Water District celebrated the occasion by welcoming staff back to the administrative offices at 6230 Sylvan Road following a nine-month major renovation project. District Operations, Water Quality, and Project Management departments are also housed at this address.
Speaking to attendees, General Manager Robert Churchill explained what improvements had been made to the 40-year-old building. “This project added approximately 790 square feet of office space, including three new offices to the building,” said Churchill. “Among the remodeled interior features, we provided a larger public lobby, a separate counter for disabled customers, and improved access to the meeting room. Planning for this project began in 2012. During that time, we contemplated no less than 10 design schemes.”
Dignitaries at the event included Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost, City Council member Jeff Slowey, and present and former CHWD officers and board of director members. Of special note was the attendance of former CHWD Director LaMoine Field, who, together with fellow directors Bob Bauder and Sidney Peterson, saw the 1975 construction of the offices.
Franc Blackbird and Senior Architect Leslie Thomas of Blackbird Associates, an architectural firm instrumental to the newly completed project, were present. Collaborating on the interior design and furnishing was a Corporate Design Group led by Carol Little. Construction of the project was performed by Kaler / Dobler Construction.
Cutting one of the ribbons for the evening and representing administration was Beth Shockley, CHWD’s longest-employed staff member.
