Case Studies

The Sunnyvale Civic Center Master Plan is a testament to sustainability and the power of collaboration, transforming a formerly vehicle-oriented campus into a vibrant, people-centered destination that sets a new standard for sustainable civic development. 

This project is grounded in a 20-year partnership between Coldspring and landscape architect Todd Kohli of SmithGroup, united by a shared dedication to feature locally sourced materials whenever possible. Showcasing this commitment, the civic plazas adjacent to Sunnyvale City Hall feature 222 three-foot segments of CNC-fabricated radial benches and planter walls, along with 40,000 square feet of paving — all meticulously crafted from California granite. 

Coldspring faced several unique fabrication challenges, such as sinuous granite walls, radial twisted benches, and the seamless pairing of light Sierra White and dark Academy Black granite, all of which are intended to symbolize tree roots as the foundation of community.   

Kohli and his team were deeply involved throughout the design process, making several visits to the Coldspring plant to ensure the design vision was realized in fabrication. Using a 3D model of the benches and groundplane, Coldspring produced physical mockups for team review during the day and night, prompting beneficial refinements. For example, the mockups revealed that the bench lighting was visible from an elevated perspective, and that the negative skateboard deterrent needed to be deeper and wider. It also became clear that only three instead of four granite finishes were required to achieve the desired pattern for the paving. In addition to streamlining manufacturing, this close collaboration between Coldspring and SmithGroup helped to reduce costs and simplify construction documentation. 

Recognizing the importance of sustainability, Kohli also insisted on local fabrication — and Coldspring rose to the challenge by investing in advanced wire saws and two 5-Axis CNC machines at its California facility. Sourcing and cutting the granite locally, instead of shipping it long distances, dramatically reduced the project’s carbon footprint. 

“This project required Coldpspring to dedicate significant time, resources, and expertise, and they rose to the challenge at every turn,” Kohli said. “They have been a true partner in every sense.” 

The civic plazas exemplify the ideal marriage of sustainability and craftsmanship. Granite unifies the indoor and outdoor spaces, flowing from the north plaza through the lobby to the south plaza. The building’s granite base smoothly connects the vertical and horizontal planes.   

Darker pathways guide visitors through the grounds, while lighter paving areas offer respite and community gathering spaces. The amphitheater, nestled within a preserved redwood grove, provides a programmable space for events and education. The project prioritizes equitable access and reduces car dependence through improved walkability, bike infrastructure, and access to public transit. The increased open space provides welcoming outdoor areas for all ages and abilities, promoting improved community health and well-being. Long before ground was broken, the original proposal diagrams showed hundreds of people gathered on the plazas for formal events, food trucks lined up along the drop-off area, and the north plaza being closed off with removable bollards for city-wide events. Shortly after project completion, all these suggested uses became a reality.  

“It was so gratifying to stand among the crowds and see the different uses we envisioned actually happen,” Kohli said. “Almost immediately after the grand opening, the areas were vibrant and bustling, fulfilling their purpose to bring the community together.” 

The project also restored more than 60% of the former site area previously occupied by parking lots, buildings, and high-water-use plantings. Soil rehabilitation and native and adapted vegetation — a key strategy for creating a sustainable and biodiverse ecosystem — reduced outdoor water use by 82%. 

Inspired by California’s diverse ecosystems, the landscape design features zones that mimic oak woodlands, redwood groves, and wildflower grasslands. More than 900 trees grace the site, including 13 significant transplanted specimens and more than 180 newly planted trees, exceeding CalGreen shading requirements to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The commitment to native and adaptive, drought-tolerant species minimizes maintenance and enhances wildlife habitats for local fauna and pollinators. The site design also incorporates responsible stormwater management practices, while optimizing microclimates to maximize thermal comfort within outdoor programmed areas and reduce indoor cooling costs. 

Today, the plazas and surrounding grounds are a vibrant component of Sunnyvale’s multi-year Civic Center Master Plan, which includes the nation’s first ground-up, LEED Platinum, and Net Zero Energy city hall.  This innovative design embodies a transformative vision focused on sustainability, community engagement, and enhanced public services — serving as a model for future public gathering spaces everywhere.  

“The Sunnyvale project was much more than just another job for Coldspring,” said Robert Nelson II, Operations Manager at the Coldspring facility in Raymond, California. “It tested our capabilities, refined our workflows, challenged our staff, and raised the bar for what we can achieve. We’re proud to have played a key role in a civic centerpiece that will serve generations of people.”