In the event of a large scale natural disaster or crisis, the Emergency Operations Center is the central command post for the Salt Lake Valley. The bomb squad also used the center as a command post during the Salt Lake Winter Olympics.

The building’s design utilizes Layton’s expertise in architectural concrete. Using concrete allows the building to be both strong and aesthetically pleasing. Layton used a laser screed to pour and finish the casting slabs on-site, achieving virtually flawless concrete wall panels.
Because this building needs to be functional in crisis situations, special precautions were taken. For example, the building was constructed elevated off the ground to avoid flooding. The building can withstand a level 4 seismic event. High-security (bullet-proof) glazing and grouting on the window frames were used on all exterior windows for added security.

The building interior had to be very flexible for routing data cables and communications wires. To make the interior wiring easily accessible, the equipment rooms were placed directly beneath main coordination spaces.