Stockton is one step closer to expanding critical behavioral health services downtown.
Service First of Northern California (SFNC) has announced plans to transform the long-vacant property at 1005 N. El Dorado Street into a fully functioning Recovery Center designed to support individuals and families seeking stability, treatment, and long-term recovery .
The February 18 community update outlines a comprehensive project backed by a conditional award through California’s Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP), aimed at expanding access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services in high-need communities.
A Strategic Investment in Downtown Stockton
The BHCIP Round 1 conditional award provides approximately $8.29 million to support the acquisition and rehabilitation of the site . The funding allows for full purchase and comprehensive renovation of the former 92-room hotel, ensuring long-term ownership and operational stability for the Recovery Center.
According to the project presentation, the renovation will modernize the structure to meet ADA, safety, and behavioral health standards while creating a welcoming, secure environment for clients, staff, and community partners.
The property, which has reportedly been vacant for over three years and requires significant electrical, plumbing, HVAC, accessibility, and safety upgrades, will be revitalized into a campus-style facility comprised of four separate buildings supporting a full continuum of care.
What Services Will Be Offered?
The new Recovery Center is designed to significantly expand behavioral health capacity in Stockton. Planned services include:
-
16-bed Adult Residential Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment
-
72-slot Outpatient SUD Treatment program (serving an estimated 18,720 individuals annually through treatment slots)
-
16-slot Social Rehabilitation Facility
-
4-bed Peer Respite Program
Additional programming will include case management, life skills training, peer support and wellness programming, and long-term aftercare planning.
The stated goal is to increase access to care while reducing strain on emergency rooms, jails, and shelters by offering crisis prevention and transitional support services in a stable, community-based setting.
Community and Public Safety Benefits
Beyond expanding treatment access, SFNC emphasizes the broader community benefits of the project.
The presentation notes the project will:
-
Revitalize a key property in the heart of Downtown Stockton
-
Support broader city efforts to restore and activate downtown spaces
-
Reduce street homelessness by offering stable placements
-
Strengthen community health and safety
-
Decrease crisis-level ER visits and law enforcement responses
-
Provide early intervention and stabilization services
By creating a centralized recovery campus along a major corridor, the initiative aligns with ongoing downtown revitalization efforts while addressing critical gaps in behavioral health infrastructure.
Partnership with the City of Stockton
The City of Stockton is playing a significant role in bringing the project to life.
The 10% required local match totals $823,963.73. Of that amount, the City has committed $300,000, with Service First providing the remaining balance .
“Service First appreciates the City’s continued partnership,” states the project presentation, highlighting the shared commitment to expanding behavioral health capacity and improving outcomes for Stockton residents.
Funding, Sustainability & Accountability
BHCIP funds will cover acquisition of the property and critical renovation needs, including:
-
Structural and safety repairs
-
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC modernization
-
ADA accessibility improvements
-
Lighting, fencing, and security systems
-
Interior reconfiguration
-
Environmental remediation such as asbestos removal
Long-term sustainability will be supported through a diversified funding model that includes Medi-Cal (projected 50%), private insurance, county and state funding sources, federal behavioral health programs, and community-based funding streams.
Service First also outlines partnerships with local hospitals, crisis teams, outpatient providers, regional centers, mental health agencies, and the county court system to ensure a steady referral network and consistent utilization beyond the grant period.
Project Timeline
Architectural plans are currently in progress, with city match confirmation completed and final state submission pending.
Construction is projected to begin upon state approval, with an estimated build timeline of 18 to 30 months. The center is expected to open following completion and licensing.
A Transformational Step for Stockton
For many residents, access to timely behavioral health care can be the difference between crisis and recovery. By converting a long-vacant property into a modern recovery campus, Service First is positioning Downtown Stockton as a hub not just for revitalization — but for resilience.
As detailed in the official community update, the Recovery Center represents a coordinated effort between nonprofit leadership, state infrastructure funding, and local city partnership.
If fully realized, the project could substantially expand Stockton’s behavioral health capacity while bringing renewed purpose and activity to one of downtown’s underused properties.
For more information, residents can view the full project presentation provided by Service First of Northern California.