Longtime friends and business leaders Bill Hobin and Phil Johnson have teamed up to reimagine a beloved Stockton landmark, bringing fresh purpose to the iconic Pacific Storage building. For more than a century, the Pacific Storage building at 523 N Hunter St. has been a cornerstone of downtown Stockton. Now, it’s stepping into a bold new era as StorQuest Self Storage—where history meets innovation. Blending history with innovation, the duo has reimagined the space as a state-of-the-art self-storage facility, ensuring its legacy remains an integral part of Stockton’s story.
"Stockton has always been a special place for both of us, and revitalizing this building was about much more than storage—it was an opportunity to preserve a piece of the city’s history while giving it a new economic purpose for the future," StorQuest CEO Bill Hobin states. "I am proud of the work done by the team to transform the building, and look forward to owning and operating the new business with Phil and the extended Johnson and Wagner families.”
What was once a hub for storage and logistics has been reimagined to serve the city in a whole new way—offering modern, purpose-driven storage solutions for residents and businesses alike. Featuring climate-controlled units, advanced security systems, and a variety of unit sizes, the newly renovated space is designed to meet the evolving needs of Stockton’s growing community. Leading the design and construction efforts was Tim Hobin, Bill’s brother and a partner at The William Warren Group, who oversees the firm’s construction and real estate teams.
"Partnering with Bill and Tim on this project has been a rewarding opportunity to breathe new life into a cherished part of downtown Stockton," Phil Johnson, President and CEO of Sims-Grupe Management states. "StorQuest is a first-class operation, and we wanted to create a space that not only meets the needs of today’s residents and businesses but also honors the building’s rich history and its deep ties to the community. Honoring the Wagner family’s legacy was a priority—this project not only pays tribute to their enduring contributions to Stockton but also ensures the building remains a vital part of the city’s future."
From personal belongings to business inventory and seasonal gear, the facility offers secure, tailored storage solutions designed to meet the needs of today’s Stockton community. This transformation reflects both the practical needs of today and a commitment to the city’s rich history—ensuring the building continues to serve Stockton in a meaningful way for years to come.
Honoring a Legacy of Reinvention
The Pacific Storage building has long been a testament to Stockton’s spirit of resilience and innovation. Its origins trace back to 1856, when brothers Charles and Jacob Wagner—drawn to California by the Gold Rush—established Pacific Tannery. What began as a small leather production facility grew into one of the largest tanneries in the region, supplying high-quality leather across the U.S. and overseas.
As industries evolved, so did the Wagner family. By 1928, they had transformed their tannery into Pacific Storage Company, shifting from leather production to commodity storage. Over the decades, the company expanded its services, becoming a major Bekins Moving and Storage agent, then later branching into document storage, shredding, and logistics. Through every shift, the building remained a symbol of adaptability, standing as a constant in Stockton’s changing economic landscape.
Now, nearly a century after its transition into storage, the building enters its next chapter as StorQuest Self Storage. While its purpose has evolved, its legacy of reinvention continues—offering modern storage solutions while preserving a space deeply woven into Stockton’s history. As part of the renovation, original redwood support beams were carefully preserved—a lasting tribute to the building’s resilience and the Wagner family’s enduring influence.
Renowned for its innovative, guest-focused approach that goes beyond traditional storage, StorQuest is built for those who embrace adventure and an active lifestyle, offering storage solutions that go beyond the ordinary. Whether storing holiday decorations, household furniture or gear for the next big expedition, StorQuest empowers guests to live big and make room in their life for what matters most.