San Joaquin County’s former Morgue and Medical Examiner’s Office had outgrown its ability to serve the county’s expanding needs. In response, the County developed a new $25 million, 18,000-square-foot facility on an adjacent site, creating a modern environment dedicated to dignified decedent care and the complex demands of contemporary forensic operations.
WMB served as prime architect from initial programming through bridging documents, leading the project team and incorporating specialized forensic pathology expertise to shape secure, efficient, and dignified spaces for forensic investigation and decedent care.
A central planning priority was ensuring the facility could support both daily caseloads and surge capacity during a mass casualty event. The program includes offices and specialized workspaces for the Medical Examiner, staff, and death investigators, as well as a four-station autopsy suite, full-body CT scanner, and high-capacity morgue.
The design carefully balances operational efficiency, staff collaboration, and the privacy required for sensitive work. Every element reinforces the respectful handling of decedents while supporting the strict protocols of forensic investigation and chain-of-custody. Designed for flexibility and long-term resilience, the facility positions San Joaquin County to meet future growth and evolving operational needs with confidence.
Architect of Record: DGA Architects
Client
San Joaquin County
Location
French Camp
Project Type
Community
Size
18,000 sq. ft
Services
Programming
Conceptual Design
Bridging Documents
