Hotel Stockton

By 1995, most residents had forgotten, or were too young to know, that Stockton had once been a regional destination, offering a full menu of entertainment pleasures.  The Hotel Stockton was conceived in 1903 by a small group of citizens, determined to capture the market for well-to-do residents of the Bay Area, eager to temporarily trade the rigors of city life for the “healthy air, therapeutic baths and world class entertainments” of Stockton.  Designed by architect Edgar Brown, construction began in 1907, following public subscription to raise funds.  Featuring 252 rooms and 200 private baths, the Hotel Stockton was opened in 1910 and became the city’s “grand statement” to travelers for many years. 

The glorious Mission Revival hotel featured the first all steel reinforced concrete construction in the San Joaquin Valley.  The 10,000 square foot roof garden included a fountain and pergola with roses and vines.  Theatre luminaries of the day, including Lillian Russell, Sarah Bernhardt, John Drew and David Warfield, were early guests at “The Stockton.”
As the automobile changed styles of travel following World War II, the hotel struggled financially, with the last guest checking out November 26, 1960.  Shortly thereafter, it was converted to a county administrative building, continuing to function in this role until 1991 when the County vacated, leaving the hotel to sit empty.  Although it was listed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1981, the hotel continued to deteriorate, and many residents came to believe it was beyond saving and must be demolished to clear the way for new downtown construction.

In 1999, the City of Stockton Redevelopment Agency took ownership of the Hotel.  With a unified City Council and Mayor providing strong support for the preservation and reuse of the Hotel, in 2001 Civic Partners pursued a plan for conversion of the building, which would include its rehabilitation for City offices. In 2003, the City instead selected CFY Development of Sacramento, led by Cyrus Youssefi, to develop the building for ground floor retail, office and restaurants with apartments on upper floors. Michael F. Malinowski, AIA, an expert in historical renovations, led the redesign team. The project received unprecedented funding from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the Federal Historic Tax Credit, along with significant financial support from the City of Stockton and private investments. 
Following a painstaking and historically accurate restoration, the Hotel Stockton officially reopened and was unveiled to the public on March 17, 2005. The main entry from Weber Avenue was reestablished, leading to the historic lobby with its beautiful, original fireplace and two story mezzanine.  Oak railings and wainscoting were exactly replicated and leaded stained glass panels were cleaned and restored.  The upper floors now provide 156 apartments for low and fixed-income residents, with units ranging from 245 to just under 500 square feet. Many units have unique architectural characteristics and views. The rooftop terrace overlooking DeCarli Square, the channel and Cineplex Plaza has already played host to several events and received rave reviews. 

The ground floor and terrace of the hotel will continue in their traditional role as a place for visitors and residents to “play,” interacting with the surrounding entertainment venues, enjoying a fine meal, and perhaps even some shopping in the near future. Upper floors provide much needed and affordable housing, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. This new, mixed-use role for the hotel reflects today’s economic realities and ensures that the hotel will remain a viable, and vibrant, part of Stockton’s downtown well into the future.