By: Zachary Hulsey

Downtown Stockton has a lot of potential – its old buildings, the waterfront, its central location, its community. It’s a place that has the potential to be full of life. But like many downtown areas, it has gone through tough times, especially with its historic and abandoned buildings. Now, thanks to investors like Joe Michael and his team at Pacific Development Group, things are starting to change.

A Heart for Stockton & Cort Tower

Joe Michael – CEO of the Pacific Development Group, Downtown Stockton Alliance Board Member, and a Stockton native – is dedicated to restoring the beauty of Downtown Stockton. When asked by the Downtown Stockton Alliance why his company chose to invest here, this is what he had to say:

“I was born and raised in Stockton, so I’ve always had a soft spot for this city — especially Downtown. With the waterfront, Marina, Ballpark, the historic buildings, and how centrally located it is with I-5 and the Crosstown Freeway right there, it’s always felt like there was so much untapped potential.

When Cort Tower became available, it felt like the perfect opportunity to not only create a new home base for our company but also to make a real impact in the heart of the city.

With the right investment and partnerships, I truly believe Downtown Stockton can become a walkable, creative, and thriving hub for housing, business, social scene, and the arts. We’ve done a lot of infill and adaptive reuse projects over the years throughout the Western United States, and Downtown Stockton felt like the kind of place where our experience could really make a difference right away.”

Cort Tower is one of Stockton’s most well-known and historic high-rise buildings. When asked about his plans for Cort Tower, Joe Michael stated:

“The Cort Tower is one of those buildings that’s impossible to miss — it’s a Stockton landmark. We’ve spent the last two years reimagining it as a modern workspace for creative professionals, small businesses, and nonprofits. We’ve upgraded the interiors, boosted the energy efficiency, and brought back some of the mid-century character that makes the building unique. We’re proud to say it’s now almost fully leased, and it’s really becoming a hub of activity again.”

The Ruhl Building

Another exciting project that the Pacific Group took over is the Ruhl Building. This one is a partnership with Main Street Youth and Family Services (formerly Parents By Choice), a nonprofit that helps foster youth and families. Pacific Development Group is helping them turn the building into a center for supportive housing and services. When asked about his plans regarding the Ruhl Building, Joe Michael stated in a quote to the Downtown Stockton Alliance:

“It’s exactly the kind of mission-driven project we love being part of — taking a building with history and purpose and giving it new life to serve the community.” Their work isn’t just about fixing up buildings; it’s about doing work that makes a real difference.

The Future

It’s clear that the Pacific Development Group has done great work for the Downtown Stockton district, but what are their plans for the future? In yet another quote, Joe Michael stated, “We’re just getting started. We’re actively looking at more buildings and sites in the downtown core—the goal is to keep building momentum. Long term, we see a future where Downtown Stockton is full of life again — with more housing, more creative spaces, public art, local businesses, restaurants, and events that bring people together. We’re in it for the long haul, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

It’s clear that Pacific Development Group isn’t just another development company. They care about the places they invest in, and in Stockton, that care comes from a personal place. Joe knows the city because he grew up there. He sees what it could be, and he wants to be part of making that happen.

By bringing back important buildings like the Cort Tower and supporting community-focused work at the Ruhl Building, the company is helping downtown Stockton become a much better place – more active, creative, and welcoming for people near and far. These projects show how private companies can work to create real change in our city.

Reviving a downtown takes time and effort, but with people like Joe and companies like Pacific Development Group involved, our future looks bright. They’re not just fixing buildings; they’re helping to build a better city, one project at a time.

Information

• Company: Pacific Development Group
• Address: 343 Main Street, Stockton, CA
• Phone: 209.473.9700
• Website: https://pacificdg.com/

By: Zachary Hulsey

For over 35 years, the nonprofit development group Visionary Home Builders has created and advocated for healthy, vibrant, and safe communities through the development of affordable housing and educational opportunities for all in low and moderate income brackets. Based in Stockton, they have been making a huge difference on the housing scene in California. They first started in 1983 with a direct mission to provide affordable housing to families, especially farmworkers, who were struggling to find stable homes. Over the years, they’ve grown into a well-known nonprofit organization dedicated to building homes that are not just affordable but also designed with sustainability and community in mind.

Grand View Village

One of their most recent and significant projects is the Grand View Village, located at 240 E Miner Ave, Stockton, CA 95202, in downtown Stockton. This housing development project offers 75 affordable housing units for lower- to moderate-income families. But it’s more than just a place to live. This wonderful development includes eco-friendly features such as solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. There are also spaces for businesses and community activities, including a future grocery store and a Head Start program for young children. The Grand View Village is a great example of how Visionary Home Builders mix both affordable housing with beneficial services that support our community.

Founder and CEO, Carol Ornelas, stated in a quote to the Downtown Stockton Alliance, “At Visionary Home Builders, we don’t just build housing — we build hope, opportunity, and stronger communities. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Liberty Square & More

Another huge project is Liberty Square, located at 807 N. San Joaquin Street. This development turned an old commercial building into 74 affordable rental units. This project was designed with veterans in mind, offering a mix of studio apartments and one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. Liberty Square also has a vibrant community center with a computer lab and daycare facilities. Residents at the Liberty Square also benefit from their close proximity to public transportation and other essential services to access the resources they need.

In addition to these projects, Visionary Home Builders is also working on providing resources for families who want to own homes. In 2024, the organization received over $1.1 million through the Premio HOME award to support their great mission. They’re helping families overcome barriers to homeownership by offering financial education and support. This is crucial in a region where high home prices and limited availability can make owning a home feel out of reach for many families.

Founder Carol Ornelas, has played a huge role in advocating for affordable housing and economic justice. In 2023, she was honored with the Alan Fisher Economic Justice Award for her work in promoting fair housing opportunities. Her leadership has definitely helped in Visionary Home Builders’ success and their ability to make a difference in the Stockton community.

La Passeggiata

In yet another project, Visionary Home Builders is also exploring new ways to build sustainable homes. Their upcoming project, La Passeggiata (which recently broke ground), plans to bring modular multi-family homes to downtown Stockton. These homes will be energy-efficient and include features like rooftop gardens and solar power. The goal is to offer more affordable housing options for seniors and families in the area while also embracing modern construction methods to tackle the housing shortage.

In Conclusion

Overall, Visionary Home Builders has made downtown Stockton a more sustainable, livable, area that families can enjoy. Their contribution to addressing the housing needs in Stockton has exceeded expectations. Their projects not only provide affordable homes but also strengthen the communities they’re built in. Through their innovative and community-centered approach, Visionary Home Builders is proving that it’s possible to create homes that are both affordable and sustainable, helping families find stability and a brighter future. From the Downtown Stockton Alliance to the team over at Visionary Home Builders, thank you for choosing Downtown Stockton as your home!

Information

• Business: Visionary Home Builders
• Address: 315 N San Joaquin St, Stockton, CA 95202
• Phone Number: 209.466.6811
• Website: https://visionaryhomebuilders.org/