Book Lovers Paradise in Downtown Stockton

Posted on May 7, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Paula Sheil,
Tuleburg Press & The Write Place

Nestled in the center of Downtown Stockton is a welcoming book lover’s paradise. Inside are shelves bursting with poetry and art books, vintage printing presses and book binding equipment, polished and brought back to life, and floor-to-ceiling murals depicting Stockton’s lush natural habitats. This book lover’s oasis – The Write Place – is a legacy project of Tuleburg Press.

The mission of Tuleburg Press is to foster literacy in our diverse community by identifying, publishing, and/or mentoring emerging, talented, local writers, especially those who write about life in the Central Valley. The Write Place is where we make that happen.

Located at 343 E. Main Street, The Write Place is a studio workshop that offers classes in book binding, letter press printing, and so much more. During the week, book arts and creative writing classes take place, while on the weekends the center hosts authors and artists who showcase their work.

*Artist Saul Serna works on a linoleum block print in a Delta-inspired environment realized by muralist Armando Perez*.

From cover to cover, Tuleburg Press is all about the book. But more than a book publisher, we host classes where students can create their own books from making the paper, to assembling the book structure, sewing up the book, and filling its pages with creativity!

*Instructor Angie Maxson helps Paige and (mom) Sabrina Wold make junk journals.*

Poets can work under the tutelage of Stockton’s poet laureate Tama Brisbane on Tuesdays. Writers in other genres meet the second and fourth Mondays of the month at our Writers Exchange, where they explore prompts and share their work.

We hold a multitude of different book arts classes throughout the month. Review our schedule and enroll for the classes on our website.

In addition to our regular classes, we often host special events for schools, businesses, and individuals. Schools make hour-long field trips to tour the facility and engage in book arts activities, including book making and creative writing. Businesses have used our services as a company team building retreat, where employees can attend a private workshop in which they learn to make paper, make journals, or learn to bind books. We are always happy to hold birthday parties for bibliophiles; all of our offered classes can become a private party.

To discuss setting up a special event at The Write Place, please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone 209-949-2233.

We hope to see you soon!

Regal Office Spaces at Cort Tower

Posted on May 6, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Courtney Wood, Economic Development Coordinator

The historic Cort Tower at 343 Main Street is one of the most recognized landmarks in Downtown Stockton. This statuesque building was originally constructed in 1915 and housed the Commercial & Savings Bank. To this day, if visitors look left upon entering the building, they will catch a glimpse of the palatial marble staircase leading down to the former bank’s vaults.

As the second skyscraper ever built in Stockton, Cort Tower is akin to a dependable, well-uniformed downtown sentinel. From its highest floors, tenants and visitors can take in eye-popping views of Stockton’s historic district from every direction.

Although the brick building suffered a fire in 1923, it was subsequently rebuilt to double the size of the original structure. This is why the tower seems narrow when viewed from Main Street, but elongated when viewed from Sutter Street.

From the intricately designed entryway to the high-ceiling ground floor lobby, the leather-seated conference room, and the antique mail chute, this edifice projects quiet elegance and stately professionalism. Throughout its ten floors, Cort Tower harbors abundant office spaces of varying sizes. The Write Place, Third City Coalition, and Cort Companies are just a few notable existing tenants. The building also harbors a substantial number of legal professionals. Perks of being a tenant include access to the shared exercise room, conference room, secure codes required for visitor entry, and a smartphone app which allows you to view visitors. View a video of the Tower here.

At the time of this blog entry, there were 13 offices for lease available at a competitive lease rate of $11.40 per square foot PER YEAR. If you are seeking a space which will radiate competence and assurance to your clients or customers, Cort Tower may be the ideal office location for you! For more information, contact Mahala Burns at 209-235-5321 or visit the Cort Companies website.

Downtown Stockton Living

Posted on April 26, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Oscar Segura, Lofts & Marketing Manager,
Residences at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

Hello there, my name is Oscar Segura. I am delighted to have been selected to tell my story about Downtown Stockton.

I currently work for the University Lofts at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel. I manage the residences and get to meet people from all walks of life who are interested in our concept of modern downtown living amenities with an all inclusive price.

The idea that only students live in our residences is a misconception I am working on changing. Anyone can apply to live at the University Lofts and enjoy what we have to offer. I mean, who doesn’t want weekly housekeeping included? Oh, and residents receive 20 % off in the Delta Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant. We offer an array of floor plans starting from studios all the way to panoramic 3-bedroom penthouses overlooking the ever growing and changing Downtown. We are just a stone’s throw away from such venues as the Stockton Arena, Banner Island Ballpark, Bob Hope Theatre, and The Sycamore, just to name a few. There is always something going on in Downtown Stockton!

As for me, I am a self proclaimed foodie. Give me all the food! Almost every day you can catch me in one of the many downtown restaurants or cafes. My favorites, just to name a few, are:

Cast Iron – try their hardy sliders or carnitas tacos;

Terra Coffee – I always get the Café de Olla plus it’s a great place to take in some local art;

Deliberation Room – they have a great lunch combo with a panini and salad, YUM!

Thai Thai – because, duh, Thai!

Don Rafa’s Taco Truck – for some much needed yummy Mexican food;

Bella Vista – because, I need more carbs! Check out their endless pasta night on Thursdays, oh, and wash that down with the Tuscan Spritzer (reminds me of my time traveling through Italy, SO GOOD);

Trail Coffee Roasters – because I am hooked on their Lavender Latte and their new coffee shop is so beautiful. Gianna and her team did an amazing job!

House of Ice Cream – because we all scream for ice-cream!

Red Orchids – for some bomb Pilipino food. Plus, try their chicken adobo and they also offer lunch buffets with a new menu every day.

Fusion Boba Café – Give Me All The Boba!

One thing that always mesmerizes me is the architecture in Downtown Stockton. There are many beautiful buildings here that have so much history. Downtown is attracting awesome creatives who are taking refuge here breathing life and energy into our neighborhood, and it is exciting to watch it grow.

My personal life is all in Downtown. I live, work, and work out in Downtown. Everything I do daily is within a 4-mile radius and I love it! Sometimes I just walk aimlessly with camera in hand photographing those alley ways and details otherwise easily missed. For me, love is in the details and there are a lot of details in downtown’s architecture and a lot of love in the people that inhabit and help improve it.

Until next time!

Downtown Murals Create Awareness

Posted on April 3, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Sylwia Lipiec-Qualls, DSA’s Communications Manger

“We have a thing about doing murals in partnership with human rights and non-profit organizations,” started his story Andrew Laubie, the founder of Street Art Anarchy. SAA curates and produces high impact public art projects in such cities as New York, London, and Hong Kong. Now they have come to Downtown Stockton, CA.

Art by Astro; Location @ California St. & Miner Ave., Stockton

Laubie reached out to the Economic Security Project last year to suggest creating murals to illustrate the program and to inspire more awareness. ESP supports and funds projects that explore and champion unconditional cash for Americans.

“ESP loved the idea and understood right away the power of reaching people through urban art and gave us complete creative control of the project.”

Soon after, ESP announced at the CASH conference in San Francisco that it would be introducing the program in Stockton, CA. In due time, Stockton’s Mayor, Michael Tubbs, rolled out SEED, Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration. This experimental program aims to provide a group of low income residents of Stockton a guaranteed basic income to help offset the cost of their basic needs.

Art by Brandan Odums; Location @ American St. & Main St., Stockton

“I was particularly inspired by the story of Stockton and the Avant Garde projects of mayor Tubbs. I went to scout Stockton to evaluate the possibility of doing the mural project there, where I met several people,” continued Laubie.

One of the people he met was Matthew Amen, the director of Huddle Co-work, who helped SAA to secure walls for the murals on downtown buildings belonging to Ten Space Development.

Three murals were created over the span of three weekends in Downtown Stockton. Through their creative symbolism each image ties into the philosophy of Economic Security Project and furthers the awareness of SEED in Stockton.

Art by Kia; Location @ Channel St. & California St.

Laubie is excited about the impact SAA’s art has already had on the local community, “Stockton has a lot of potential to host mural projects, and there are already many good works around town. It reminds me a lot of Brooklyn and Wynwood before they became artistic hot spots, and with such a strong artistic culture and innovative leadership I have a feeling that it may be going in the same trajectory.“

Own a Small Piece of Downtown

Posted on March 26, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Courtney Wood

With a brick exterior, quaint wallpaper, antique-style lighting fixtures, and ornate ceilings, the Budd Building is an opportunity for commercial landlords looking to invest in a unique, office space in the historic Downtown Stockton on the 3rd floor at 333 East Channel Street.

Historical Tidbit

The original Budd Building was the home of California’s 19th Governor and Stockton resident, James Budd, born in 1851. He immigrated to California with his family when he was 7 years old, and attended schools in the Stockton area.

Later on, Budd studied law at UC Berkeley, gained admission to the California Bar in 1874, and became a member of the House of Representatives, where he “balanced the budget and cut spending, despite working with a hostile legislature,” according to our Resident Historian Ambassador, Manuel Laguna (Click here for info about Manuel’s free historical tours).

Budd was elected as governor in 1895, and served only one term before returning to Stockton, where he died in 1908. In the Stockton community, “Budd was instrumental in the dredging of the Stockton Channel, which aided shipping to the Port of Stockton.” After Budd’s death, his daughter began using the former home as a boarding house. The charming 3-story brick frontage addition was completed in the early 1900s, and has been used as commercial office space for decades.

Investment Opportunity

While its architecture and interior design bring to mind the golden days of Stockton’s past, this office building is fully equipped with all expected modern amenities including an elevator. The bottom two condominiums are currently owned and occupied by the law offices of Rafael Carrillo, but the 3rd floor is for sale at a modest price of $275,000 for the entire 3,000 square feet!

Located across from Channel Street Parking garage, a block from the Downtown Transit Center, only a few blocks from the new San Joaquin County Courthouse, and in proximity to the upcoming Medici Apartments, this upper floor office suite is ideal for leasing to a professional services-type tenant, be it a lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, property manager, business consultant, or a bail bond salesman.

For more information about the property check out the DSA’s listing and click here to watch a video, or contact the real estate agent, Andrew Hernandez, directly at 209-765-8568.

For other Downtown spaces for lease or sale, visit DSA’s Real Estate Directory and follow DSA’s #PropertyMondays on Facebook and Twitter.

Historic Downtown Tours

Posted on March 23, 2018 by digitalgear

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By Manuel Laguna, DSA Resident Historian Ambassador, CTA

Since 2006 I have presented the history of Downtown Stockton through various tours I gave to visitors from senior groups, schools, and even Stockton Sister Cities. We have had groups from throughout California, from the Bay Area to Southern California visitors. In general, they have always seemed to have a positive attitude towards Stockton which they saw as a beautiful city with its many waterways and interesting historic buildings. I have never had a tour where at least one person wouldn’t say, “I didn’t know that!”

In October of 2016, I partnered with Kelly Howard for the very first Ghost Tour of Downtown Stockton. A total of 65 people joined us to explore the Hotel Stockton, B & M Building, and finally the Bob Hope Theater. The tour was well received by everyone, except one young lady who became so frightened, she had to leave early. We are looking forward to organizing a ghost tour again in 2018. Call me at 209-888-8636 to be added to the downtown tours contact list.

Every October I am joined by dozens of third grade students from the Stockton Collegiate Schools as we visit the Bob Hope Theater and the San Joaquin County Administration Building. Other local schools bring their students to downtown too. At the end of 2017, we had over 200 students from Kohl Open School join me for a series of brief public art tours! We looked at various street murals as well as one of the Music To Our Ears community pianos affectionately called “Jules” as it reminds people of a time machine from a Jules Verne’s novel. Our tours ended at the Mexican Heritage Center where the students viewed ofrendas, or altars, made for the Dia De Los Muertos celebration.

The Bob Hope Theater was clearly the most requested place to visit last year. Certainly, one of the most fun tours was with former Stocktonian Karl Scott and his photographers. Karl came here to write an article on his memories growing up in Stockton and going to the movies. He even recreated a promo done in the past at the Bob Hope for a Vincent Price movie! During the movie projection, a skeleton was lowered over the side of the balcony to scare theater goers. Karl said that teenagers would throw popcorn at the plastic skeleton as the audience laughed. As we took pictures during the tour, one of Karl’s photographers lowered a skeleton off the balcony.

I also fondly remember the group from Stockton Institute for Continued Learning who came to the DSA office for a talk and tour last year. I dressed in a costume as a fictional Charles Weber employee and after the talk I took over 30 participants on a tour of the B & M Building, Hotel Stockton, and Bob Hope Theater. Later that month, I led “A Walk Through Time” tour of the Stockton Rural Cemetery where I told the stories of the many colorful characters buried there, both heroic and tragic figures of Stockton’s past.

I have several new ideas for history events and tours in 2018. I’m happy to notice that there is a growing interest in local history and historic places in our community. If you want to stay in touch for the upcoming tours, contact me at 209-888-8636 or email.