COSTA MESA

The City Council is taking a cautious approach to a proposal for a three-way deal that would result in moving City Hall to Pacific Savings Plaza. Southern California College is interested in purchasing the plaza and exchanging it for the Civic Center so the college can expand into that adjoining property. Before council members consider spending money on a study of moving City Hall, they want to know whether SCC has the ability to make the purchase and whether the property owner will sell at the appraised value.

Mayor Gary Monahan asked the council to consider spending $60,000 on feasibility studies, space evaluations and appraisals regarding the potential move to the Mediterranean-style landmark at 1901 Newport Blvd. Earlier this year, brokers and a representative from SCC expressed interest in the City Hall property if it ever became available. SCC is expanding, and City Hall property abuts the college. Pacific Savings Plaza has remained empty for eight years; the reported asking price is $19 million.