BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Bakersfield is looking at final steps in purchasing the Bank of America building in the downtown area, according to the City Council meeting agenda for Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The 10-story building at Truxtun and Chester avenues across the Kern County courthouse is about 127,504 square feet with a parking garage on 2.3 acres. It’s also known as the Truxtun Tower.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Bakersfield police announce multiple arrests tied to Friday’s deadly shooting at Independence HS\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The city intends to move police department staff into the office space in the B of A building to address the growth in staffing level over the past few years.<\/p>\n Police staff are currently working from an office space on California Avenue<\/a>, but officials argued the city could see significant savings if they choose the Truxtun Tower lease instead of the new negotiated lease for the California Avenue space.<\/p>\n It’s expected to cost the city $13.35 million to buy the building and more than $1 million additionally for improvements, officials said.<\/p>\n The Council is set to consider approving $12.1 million in interfund loan from the city’s Equipment Fund to serve as the main source for this purchase.<\/p>\n $2.5 million is set to come from the city’s Capital Facility Reserve, according to the agenda. This would also go to buying and improving the property.<\/p>\n According to the city, BPD staff is expected to move into the building in early 2027 but that depends on when the improvements are completed.<\/p>\n