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Calimesa council approves purchase of former Bank of America building for new city hall
Summary
The Calimesa City Council voted unanimously to buy the former Bank of America at 1055 Calimesa Boulevard for $1,985,000 to use as a permanent administrative facility, funded entirely from restricted government facilities development impact fees; staff said the purchase is more cost‑effective than building new.
The Calimesa City Council unanimously approved a purchase-and-sale agreement Dec. 1 to buy the former Bank of America building at 1055 Calimesa Boulevard (APN 411-180-023) for $1,985,000 as a permanent city administrative facility. The council adopted Resolution 2025‑60 authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement and amending the FY25–26 budget to reflect the administrative facilities fee adjustment.
City Manager Cobo told the council the acquisition was completed after a competitive, sealed-bid process supported by Cosmont Real Estate Services and negotiations with the seller’s representative, Cushman & Wakefield. “This acquisition is funded entirely through government facilities development impact fees,” Cobo said, noting those fees are restricted by law to capital facilities and cannot be used for operations or salaries.
Staff said a Phase I environmental assessment will be completed during the inspection period and that the agreement includes a leaseback for the building’s existing ATMs to generate modest revenue. Council members stressed the city has operated out of modular buildings for 35 years and said the purchase addresses long-standing space constraints. One council member estimated comparable new construction would cost in the $8 million to $9 million range.
Council discussion focused on fiscal prudence and service capacity: the acquisition was portrayed as a way to internalize functions currently handled by contractors, allow future staffing growth, and preserve the historic downtown location. The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by a unanimous voice vote (5–0).
The city provided these key details at the meeting: purchase price $1,985,000; property address 1055 Calimesa Boulevard; funding source — government facilities development impact fees (restricted capital funds); Phase I environmental assessment pending; ATM leaseback included. The resolution directs the mayor to execute the agreement and authorizes related budget adjustments and actions under the terms presented.
Next steps: staff will complete the inspection and environmental review during the contingency period and return any required closing documents for execution in accordance with the adopted resolution.
