Capital Public Radio Unveils Plans for New State-of-the-Art Headquarters in Downtown Sacramento

Sacramento, CA - April 30, 2019: Capital Public Radio today announced its plans for a new state-of-the-art headquarters in the heart of downtown Sacramento, and it also announced a significant investment from Northern California-based, not-for-profit integrated healthcare system Sutter Health.This collaboration signifies Sutter Health and CapRadio’s deep commitment to improving community health by creating a space that will function as both a journalism hub and a center for community engagement.

“We are proud to invest in this landmark project and provide the community with greater access to education, collaboration and community empowerment—important facets of a healthy community,” said Sarah Krevans, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “As an integrated, not-for-profit healthcare system, we have an important mission beyond the walls of our healthcare facilities to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. That’s why we invest in programs including those that provide shelter and resources to those who are homeless, increase access to mental healthcare and enhance our community.”

The new headquarters will be a center for news reporting, healthy civic dialogue and shared community experiences, while also contributing to the vitality and economic health of Sacramento’s downtown area. CapRadio will occupy the 34,000 square foot facility on 8^th and J Streets, allowing the NPR-member station to nearly double its staff to 140 members over time, and adding an estimated $4.8 million in wages per year. Sutter Health’s $2.25 million investment for CapRadio’s new headquarters will include the construction of the Sutter Health Center for Community Engagement, which has the capacity to host up to 220 people and as many 300 events per year, generating a potential economic impact of approximately $1.5 million for surrounding businesses in the area.

“With our move, we will add to the vitality and economic health of downtown Sacramento and we will be able to expand on our mission to inspire listeners to look at the world from multiple perspectives, learn from diverse audiences and engage our communities more broadly,” said Rick Eytcheson, president and general manager of Capital Public Radio. “We applaud Sutter Health’s recognition that our shared responsibility includes nurturing the mind and spirit, as well as the body. Sutter Health’s significant investment is making this move a reality, I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with such a committed community partner." 

CapRadio is licensed to California State University, Sacramento and is housed on the campus. Construction on the new downtown headquarters is slated to begin in late 2019 and is scheduled for completion in mid-2020.

Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Hansen helped celebrate the announcement at an event that featured a performance by the Sacramento Mandarins drumline, a banner drop to reveal a life-sized image of the entry to the Sutter Health Center for Community Engagement and more than 100 guests.

“I am excited about this investment and not just because it is in my hometown. This investment reaches far beyond Sacramento and will have positive impacts for our democracy and freedom of expression,” said Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

“Strong, credible journalism is crucial to our city and region, and I’m thrilled that Sutter Health’s investment will allow CapRadio to expand its coverage and be in the heart of downtown. This new center will also provide members of our diverse community a place to stay informed and achieve greater common understanding,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. 

“This state-of-the-art headquarters will soon be a destination that will add vitality to our city’s heart and support the creative economy of Sacramento’s downtown and our larger region,” said Sacramento City Councilman Steve Hansen. “As a CapRadio member, I’m elated to see the station put roots in our central city, which is at the crossroads of state and local news. Public radio continues to be the cornerstone of an informed public, and this new headquarters will be a beacon of civic engagement for the community.”