Modbee.com | The Modesto Bee :: Time running out for Social Security building remodel

There's been lots of public discussion about the possible uses for the downtown Modesto Post Office, which the federal government has put up for sale. There are at least two reasons for the keen interest -- its prominent location on I Street, across from the courthouse, and its historic significance.

There's been much less talk about the former Social Security Building at 1230 12th St., which has been vacant -- in theory -- since late 2003. The building has no historic significance. It was constructed in 1972, and has many of the problems associated with buildings of that era -- lead-based paint and failure to meet current earthquake standards among them.

But the city has had its eye on the building and could get it from the federal government for free if it were used for programs serving the homeless. In September 2004, the city signed an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services indicating it would have the building renovated and ready for occupancy this month.

It isn't ready. This project has been plagued by so many setbacks that it suggests it was never meant to be. Consider:

In September 2004, the cost to fix up the building was estimated at $600,000, an amount that the city could legitimately use federal Community Block Grant funds to pay for because of the intended use.

In January 2005, as it was about initiate the renovation, the city discovered homeless people had been living inside and had done major damage.

Earlier this year, an architect estimated that it would cost just under $250,000 for basic repairs but more than $1.1 million to bring it up to current standards.

An agency that had been interested in leasing the building said it didn't have enough money to pay for the more expensive remodeling.

This spring, the city requested bids for the lesser-level project. No contractors submitted a bid.

Because of all these problems, the city isn't ready to occupy the building and must seek a time extension from the Department of Health and Human Services.

One promising sign: Two other agencies have expressed an interest in leasing the building. The United Way proposes a one-stop center to assist the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. The Stanislaus County district attorney's office is looking for a location for a Family Justice Center, to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and child abuse.

The Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee, which advises the council on spending federal grants, recommended that the city seek the time extension, but that it negotiate a master lease for the building before it proceeds with the expensive renovation. That's the right way to go.

If a reasonable lease cannot be negotiated, then the city needs to walk away from the old Social Security building and let the feds figure out what to do with it.

The request for a time extension is on the consent agenda for today's council meeting; the council probably will not discuss the matter today. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St., and will be telecast live on Comcast Channel 7.

Our Point

At some point and some price, the renovation of Modesto's former Social Security building is no longer worth pursuing. If a master lease isn't negotiated soon, the city needs to walk away.