Santa Rosa officials are once again exploring a move away from the city’s deteriorating downtown headquarters, eyeing a potential real estate deal that could reshape the city’s core.
According to the Press Democrat, in a series of recent closed-door meetings, the City Council has been negotiating with prominent developers over a massive land swap. The current City Hall complex, built in the 1960s, faces over $50 million in deferred maintenance, including seismic risks and asbestos.
The proposed deal involves multiple city-owned properties and the potential acquisition of the former AT&T building on Third Street. While previous plans to build a brand-new $290 million civic campus were scrapped due to high costs, sources say the city is now focused on a more affordable option: relocating staff to existing downtown office spaces.
The move would free up roughly six acres of prime real estate for much-needed housing and finally allow for the “uncovering” of Santa Rosa Creek, which currently runs beneath the building. Mayor Mark Stapp declined to comment on the confidential negotiations, but any final agreement is expected to be months away.
