Tracy City Hall and Jail were commissioned in 1899 following the destruction of the former jail by fire. The buildings were designed by the Stockton architectural firm, Beasley and Son. This firm designed many business, government and residential buildings in Stockton between 1870 and 1906.

The City Hall building is an interesting interpretation of academic architecture considered appropriate for a civic structure at the beginning of the 20th century. Inspired by Italian Renaissance models scaled appropriately for a small town, the building conveys a sense of dignity and civic pride.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1979.

When we photographed the jail in 2006, the old City Hall and Jail were being remodeled in conjunction with the construction of a performing arts center.