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As our analysis of the Equitable Building was continuing, the proposal for a joint development <br />project with the Transit District emerged in September of 1995. The Equitable Bldg. purchase <br />was abandoned in favor of Courthouse Squaze for the following reasons: <br />1. The purchase would require displacement of private off'ice and ground floor retail <br />space which was cunently on the tax role. <br />2. The 147 pazking spaces was not adequate to meet county needs. <br />3. The building would require e~rtensive remodeling to meet current seismic and <br />ADA code requirements. <br />4. A joint development opportunity with transit would allow implementation of a <br />long-standing public commitment to the Senator Block. <br />5. Senator Block development was consistent with City's draft Core Area Master <br />Plan <br />6. Federal funding was finally available for the transit facility. <br />7. Greater opportunities for pazking development e3cisted on the Senator Block <br />Facfors influencing current needs: <br />As previously reported, the counry spent considerable time between 1993 and 1995 preparing <br />and evaluating short and long range facility needs. The decisiou to build or acquire a new public <br />service building in downtown Salem was based on four (4) fundamental conclusions. These <br />conclusions are still valid today. <br />L The aging condition of the county's downtown buildings (average age= 71 yrs) <br />requires high maintenance and remodeling costs. <br />2. Space for staff and programs will continue to outgrow available facilities. <br />3. Growth in the state court system requires the county to vacate the Courthouse. <br />4. Efficiencies in delivering county services can be enhanced if staff and programs <br />can be consolidated into one facility. (see faciliry location map, attached) <br />Anticipating the growth needs of government and thus equating that to facility needs has been a <br />dif~'icult challenge in the 90's. Three ta~c limitation measures together with the rejection of two <br />cbunty bond measures has made it clear that local government must find new and innovative <br />