It’s back to the future for downtown Manteca
The northeast corner of Yosemite Avenue and Sycamore Avenue could once again be what it was originally developed as more than a century ago — a multi-story residential complex.
Plans for a 5-story affordable senior living complex with commercial on the ground floor are before the Manteca Planning Commission when they meet on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center.
It is being proposed for two parcels, including one where the Waukeen Hotel once stood.
The two-story structure built in the early 1920s had hotel rooms on the second floor and commercial on the ground level.
It was eventually converted to efficiency apartments on the second floor.
A fire in the late 1970s gutted the hotel, killing two people. The fire also damaged an adjoining building.
The hotel was demolished and the adjacent building was torn down except for the single brick wall that is still standing today.
The commercial for the new project that is expected to be 75 feet tall — 8 feet lower than the 500-room Great Wolf resort — will be orientated toward Yosemite Avenue.
The commercial entrance, though will be accessed from the corner — a first for the downtown district.
The commercial space will cover roughly 2,100 square feet.
The lobby entrance to the apartment portion will be from Sycamore Avenue immediately north of the commercial. It will allow access to one of two stairways and an elevator.
It will also access a 15-stall parking area tucked under the second floor with a vehicle entrance from the alley.
It is not the only multiple story housing project in the works for central Manteca.
The city is working on securing a developer for an affordable housing component facing 682 South Main Street that is part of the parcel where a homeless navigation center is being built.
The affordable and supportive housing plan calls for 72 studio apartments, 72 one-bedroom apartments, and 48 two-bedroom apartments.
There could be three separate buildings.
The first floor of the endeavor will consist of 15,000 square feet of commercial space.
It will feature flexible build-to-suit space for offices, commercial, and live-work studios.
The Sycamore-Yosemite parcels, where the downtown project is being pursued, were bought by the city for $80,000 in 2021.
The City Council will consider approving a deposition and development agreement with Delta Community Developers Corp.
The agreement includes a 55-year affordability restriction on the property, a performance deed of trust and a ground lease among other documents to set the project in motion.
The documents will allow the city to “dispose” of the property to the Housing Authority of San Joaquín County for $100 to ensure the maximization of their ability to obtain grant funds.
It allows the housing authority to collaborate and partner with the developer.
The terms require the project to be developed and completed by no later than Dec. 31, 2028.
There is ample city-owned parking nearby — including that adjoining the satellite public safety office — to accommodate parking for tenants.
The location is within walking distance of three small markets — one just over a block to the west, one three blocks to the east and one across the street.
It is also within a block of the library as well as Library Park.
That is in addition to other services available downtown including transit, banking, the post office, dining, and more. There is also an urgent care.
And by 2025, ACE passenger train service will be available downtown to allow tenants, if they so choose, to travel to the Bay Area or Sacramento on day trips.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
