Competition Heats Up For the Purchase Of 610 Court Street

Local property owner Al Turnbaugh has entered into the race to purchase the building at 610 Court St., meaning now that at least two developers have their eye on the building, which is presently owned by Contra Costa County.

David and Kristin Fisher, representing Southport Land and Commercial Co., are presently negotiating with the city to purchase 630 Court St., the building next door, and turn it into a restaurant and offices. The city purchased that historic building in 2005. Built in 1926, it used to house the offices and presses of the Contra Costa Gazette (now called the Martinez News Gazette), and was owned by the paper’s publisher, state Sen. William Sharkey. As a result, the building is referred to as the Sharkey Building.

David Fisher told city officials Wednesday that he would also like to purchase 610 Court, and use that building for additional office space that would comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Otherwise, he said, he would have to use some of the kitchen space at 630 for an ADA-compliant conference room.

Fisher told council members Janet Kennedy and Lara DeLaney – who make up the Economic Development Subcommittee – that he wants to make sure the city stipulates in the sale agreement that no matter who winds up owning the building, it will not become a fast food restaurant or other use that would be detrimental to the downtown.

Southport’s desire to purchase the neighboring building – 610 Court – will have to go through some further bureaucratic hoops, however. That building is owned by Contra Costa County, and has not yet been declared surplus. Public Works Director Dave Scola said he has notified the county of the city’s plans for the building, and he is waiting for a response.

Meanwhile, City Manager Vince told the Fishers that local property owner and attorney Al Turnbaugh is also interested in purchasing 610 Court St.

“You’ve got some competition for that building,” Vince told the Fishers.

“Yes, I’m interested in 610 Court St.,” Turnbaugh said Thursday. “The use is somewhat open at this point. I have some ideas, but I want ideas to get closer to action plans before I start talking publically about them.”

He said Martinez, unlike neighboring communities, “is not the popular kid in high school,” and property owners don’t get phone calls from businesses wanting to move in. Here, he said, it’s the other way around.

“I think Mr. Fisher has his hands full with 630 Court St., and wish him well with that,” Turnbaugh added. “I think what I could do with 610 Court would compliment his use and benefit Martinez.”