Contra Costa County, Calif., residents complain over design of D.A.'s building.

Byline: Danielle Samaniego

Aug. 6--MARTINEZ -- A planned four-story downtown county building is kicking up dirt before the ground even breaks.

Design plans for the new Contra Costa County District Attorney's headquarters on the corner of Court and Ward streets has incited ire among some residents and council members who say the building will clash with the historic downtown scheme the city is trying fervently to maintain.

With its metallic facade, glassed-in library and wooden entryway, the four-story, 53,000-square-foot office will not only dwarf the veterans memorial building remaining on the lot, but will stand as a stark contrast to the historic …