In 2015 Contra Costa County revealed a plan to demolish our historic, 1903 County Jail.  Two years later, the Board of Supervisors approved this plan and we citizens mobilized and created our foundation to preserve local history. 

The County's stated reason for taking down the jail is as familiar as Joni Mitchell's famous song: 13- 18 parking spots.  Our foundation has challenged that decision in court, and are continuing our efforts to preserve the 1903 County Jail.

In 1989 the entire Contra Costa County "Court House Block" was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 1903 County Jail and the present-day Finance Building.  The National Register described these as classically inspired dignified structures of Vermont granite "designed to represent stability and permanence."

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Today, The Architectural Preservation Foundation of Contra Costa County is working in the public interest through legal means to preserve the historic Contra Costa County Jail.   Preserving the Jail is within our reach! Please join us in the preservation of the jail and other local landmarks by speaking out and / or  making a donation.

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