IRVINE : Nonprofit Groups to Get New Space

The nonprofit organizations that enjoy low rents at the city’s soon-to-be closed Multiservice Center can be accommodated at an alternative location, city officials say.

The city wants to sell the building, located off Jamboree Road, that once housed City Hall and the Police Department to cut annual losses of $65,000 and to avoid paying $500,000 for needed earthquake retrofitting and air-conditioning repair.

There had been concern that not enough space would be available for the tenants at the city’s Operations Support Facility on Sand Canyon Road, where the groups were to be relocated. But 10 of the 29 Multiservice Center tenants have made plans to move to other locations.

The City Council last week agreed to offer leased space at the new location for 30 cents per square foot and grant the tenants 90 days free rent to help defer moving costs.

Council members might offer special consideration to Irvine Temporary Housing, a nonprofit organization that provides housing, counseling, food and clothing for homeless families in the city for up to six months. The organization currently pays 6 cents per square foot at the Multiservice Center.

On Oct. 11, the council will again discuss relocation of Multiservice Center tenants.