The former downtown Stockton offices of a savings and loan — distinctive with its polished brown stone and tinted windows and occupying an entire city block — will get a new life as a San Joaquin County government building.
The county has closed escrow on the $50 million building at 400 E. Main St. It’s situated near the courthouse and other government buildings that compose the city’s civic center. The building was once the home of American Savings Bank and most recently was being used as a charter school.
Now it will be offices for the county’s Human Services Agency, Department of Child Support Services, Sheriff’s Office Civil Division, District Attorney Family Justice Center and General Services Department. The charter school, Stockton Collegiate International Schools, along with Verizon Wireless, will stay.
Having more county employees could help bolster downtown Stockton’s comeback, said Michael Huber, executive director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance.
“It’s a beautiful building and I’m glad the county is going to fill it up,” Huber said.
He expressed hope that some of the employees will consider living in the new apartments, some of them in historic buildings, that are being developed downtown.
The new office building is huge with more than 245,000 square feet of floor space spread over several stories. Plus, it has two levels of parking.
Paul Canepa, chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, called the purchase a “smart, forward-thinking move.”
“By owning rather than leasing, we’re investing in our future, creating stability for county operations and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” he said.