The government of Kern County in Central California needed a well-located place to expand its operations geared to a steadily growing population in cities including Bakersfield, which at 730,000 has grown more than 6% in the last three years according to U.S. Census figures.
Kern County found what it was seeking in downtown Bakersfield, where it purchased the office building at 1300 18th St. for $20 million in March 2022. The property, spanning approximately 105,000 square feet, was acquired from construction firm S.C. Anderson.
Brokers said Kern County now occupies about 30% of the space and plans to expand into an additional 8,000 square feet on the ground floor, as it seeks out additional tenants for the remaining space. The acquisition is seen by some as progress for long-term efforts to rejuvenate a neighborhood that has generally older buildings.
About the transaction: Kern County acquired the downtown Bakersfield building, built in 1988 at 1300 18th St., for $20 million as it exercised a previously agreed-upon option to purchase the property the next time it went on the market.
What the judges said: “I was pleased to hear that a reputable buyer/user was committing to Bakersfield’s central core, downtown market,” said Matthew Starr, principal at brokerage firm ASU Commercial. “This transaction represents a positive step toward the revitalization of the city’s center.”
They made it happen: Don Bynum and Jordan Bacot of brokerage Bynum Inc. represented the seller. Kern County represented itself in the transaction.