Stanislaus County agency to remodel bank for new headquarters. It could share space
The Stanislaus Council of Governments approved the purchase of a bank building 15 months ago to house its new headquarters.
But the building at 1407 I St. in Modesto, designed for bank tellers and loan officers, requires a remodel. And StanCOG may share the 9,420-square-foot facility with another public agency.
Wednesday night, the Council of Governments’ policy board was poised to consider an agreement with Modesto-based Architecture Plus Inc. to provide options and construction cost estimates for an extensive remodel. The item was tabled due to lack of quorum.
Kate Miller, interim executive director for StanCOG, said the item will be continued until next month’s meeting.
In October 2024, the StanCOG board voted 9-2 to purchase the Mechanics Bank building on I Street and move the transportation agency from offices at 1111 I St. That same year, StanCOG dropped a controversial proposal to acquire the former World Savings bank in downtown Modesto partly because of its $6.6 million cost.
The costs for upgrading the 1407 I St. building for StanCOG were originally estimated at $1.6 million. The agreement with Architecture Plus will cost no more than $16,905, a figure that includes a 15% contingency. The cost for the Mechanics Bank building is expected to be about $4 million, including the purchase and remodel.
The policy board is asking for remodeling options to accommodate StanCOG and another public agency that would possibly share the building. It would be one of three organizations that expressed interest in leasing space.
One option would separate the facility for two independent agencies, with offices for each agency. Another dual-agency option would expand the workspace for up to 40 staff members, a staff report said. The former bank teller area and adjacent office would be reconfigured to create a boardroom large enough for 16 council members. Both options would include updated kitchen facilities and restroom improvements.
Architecture Plus will also design a plan for only StanCOG use of the building, with a public sector boardroom, offices and other improvements.
The three options will likely include plumbing and electrical upgrades, a wellness room, upgraded restrooms and breakrooms and improvements to comply with codes, such as a fire-suppression system.
The Council of Governments administers transportation funding for the county and its nine cities. A civil grand jury report last year leveled allegations of exorbitant spending on rental cars, travel expenses and compensation for top staff, which led to the dismissal of former executive director Rosa De Leon Park in August.
The policy board received an update Wednesday night on the process of finding a new permanent executive director. A final hiring decision is expected in February.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 2:57 PM.
