Consider the city’s investment to date, “moving forward makes sense,” even for alternative uses as buyer interest has been shown in the building, said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.Councilman Rick Cook noted that the original plans for the building called for a fast turnaround in using the vacant property.“. . .sell it and try to recoup what has been invested,” and use the proceeds for other projects, Cook suggested.“I feel the opposite of Councilman Cook,” said Councilman Ray Luna. “. . .restore and use, there’s possible use for city government. We shouldn’t let it sit.”Selling the building as is could be a possibility, noted Councilman John Procter, who asked if funds are available for renovation.Financing can be determined after the council decides its use, said Stuart.Bobkiewicz said the city can “be our own bank and we can borrow money from ourselves. . .”“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” said Cook. “We bought a theater and didn’t do anything with that, the old plumbing building we’re planning making into toilets. . .we’re chasing no money with no ‘mo money.”Krause, after learning that the zoning is general commercial, said a “little restaurant” could be a possible use.The council approved Krause’s suggestion of more study for a report at a future meeting.
Potential uses of former county fire station discussed
March 31, 2004
Santa Paula City Council
The potential of the former county fire station located near the downtown was discussed by the City Council who asked that report be prepared listing viable community uses, potential general uses if the building is leased or sold, and projected improvements.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe potential of the former county fire station located near the downtown was discussed by the City Council who asked that report be prepared listing viable community uses, potential general uses if the building is leased or sold, and projected improvements.The city came into the possession of the building, located at 735 E. Santa Barbara St., in 1994 after the county requested that it be demolished.The city planned a historic preservation of the 1934 structure, used as a county fire station until l957.In 1995 the council approved converting the building for a business-related first floor use with the upstairs devoted to conference/meeting rooms and awarded a $35,000 Community Development Block Grant for design work.Building & Safety Director Steve Stuart said the two-story building, if used for public gatherings, must have an elevator installed, which could cost $100,000.The city seismically retrofitted the building using FEMA match funds and has replaced damaged windows, and “we’ve come very close on getting some grants,” and funding sources could be tapped by the city.The council could approve borrowing funds and then recoup the investment when the building is leased or sold, Stuart said.Vice Mayor Mary Ann Krause asked if the original $350,000 rehabilitation estimate included the elevator and seismic retrofitting; when told that it had, Krause noted that a great deal of the cost had already been addressed.The city has architectural plans for the building funded by the CDBG grant.
