In a move poised to impact local administrative infrastructure, the County of Orange is planning for an office acquisition slated for next year. The target of this acquisition is a five-building cluster of properties nestled along South Grand Avenue in Santa Ana, currently utilized by OC’s Social Services Agency (SSA). The acquisition is notable not only for its scale but also for its peculiar purchase price: a mere $100, the Orange County Business Journal reported.
This seemingly inconceivable price tag stems from the conclusion of a capital lease agreement structured between the County and the long-standing property owner, Newport Beach-based developer Centurion Partners. Under the terms of this lease arrangement, the tenant, in this case, the County, is granted the right to utilize the capital asset for a specified period without full ownership, in exchange for ongoing lease payments. The $100 price serves as a nominal compliance measure in such property transfers, according to the report.
The significance of this deal extends beyond its financial implications. The Santa Ana complex holds strategic importance as a pivotal hub for various SSA departments, each specializing in crucial assistance programs vital to the community. These include comprehensive support services such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, general relief and cash assistance for immigrants, overseen by the Assistance Program. Additionally, programs like Family Self-Sufficiency, Training and Career Development, Program Integrity and Mentorship and Quality Assurance are integral components housed within the complex.
With nearly 850 SSA staff members diligently serving an average of 11,268 clients each month, the importance of maintaining operational continuity cannot be overstated. The primary service areas extend across Santa Ana, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar and Newport Beach.
