Call it a “right turn” for downtown Manteca.

The Manteca City Council’s decision Tuesday to proceed with the $1.2 million purchase of the Manteca Bedquarters and adjoining parking lot to remake the property into a downtown high-profile gathering place will also improve traffic flow along the Main Street corridor.

That’s because one of the things the city will be able to do is restore the right turn lane from southbound Main Street to westbound Yosemite Avenue.

“You’re making a bold decision,” City Manager Toni Lundgren told the council of the purchase of the historic IOOF Hall built in 1913 that has housed the Manteca Bedquarters for roughly 30 years.

Cities jumpstarting or taking their downtowns to the next level by securing key buildings, renovating them and securing a private sector investor to open restaurants and such is common practice in places like Livermore that have central districts that are bustling.

But for Manteca its new territory.

“It’s not the way of doing business (for the city in the past),” Lundgren.

And the holistic framework of what the city wants to do with the corner parking lot gives you an inkling of just how much thought has been given to the future of the corner at Yosemite Avenue and Main Street that after 120 years is still at the center and heart of Manteca.

 Assuming all goes well and the purchases goes through escrow; Manteca will take possession of a private parking lot that has been resurfaced by the current owner as a condition of the sale.

Not only does it become a public parking area while the future of the IOOF Hall is hammered out, but the city can take steps to alter traffic flow.

That involves eliminating a driveway along Main Street by replacing the sidewalk and adding a curb that would allow adding a right turn lane.

A right turn lane was not put in place when the street was reconfigured 18 years ago because of the lack of space to “stack cars” wanting to turn right between the driveway and the corner.

The city, after they assume ownership, is looking at adding landscaping to the corner and possibly an LED sign to serve as an electronic billboard for downtown and community events.

And if a decision is made to add an additional entrance to the IOOF Hall in the eastern facing wall, part of the parking lot could be converted into an outdoor dining area.

Unanimous council

support for endeavor

The 5-0 vote marked the start of a new era in downtown when Manteca will actively court private sector partners to establish businesses — most likely restaurants and entertainment venues — to step up the transformation of the city’s center into a gathering place.

“I’m in favor of it,” Councilman Mike Morowit said of the city buying, renovating, and seeking a private sector tenant. “In the long run, it means a better chance (for getting what downtown needs).

Councilwoman Regina Lackey got reassurances the five veterans’ murals will likely still be displayed on the side of the building although their exact location could be shifted.

The murals commissioned by the Manteca Mural Society were done on panels in the event they needed to be moved. The community contributed $125,000 to the overall project.

Lundgren noted public art, especially in the form of murals, is a big part of the downtown vision.

Lackey was also pleased that the city was taking steps to give a historic Manteca building with significant architectural touches new life.

Lackey praised staff for directly negotiating with owner Steve Lewis who approached the city last year when he decided he wanted to sell the building.

As a result, no commissions are being paid.

Visions for IOOF Hall

part of process to select

a downtown consultant

Consulting firms that made the short list of firms being considered to do a downtown specific plan were required to submit a vision for what they would do for the property.

Not only would it give the city a way to judge the contenders on who might be the best fit for the Manteca contract, but it also will supply the city with ideas for the property.

Either the chosen downtown specific plan consultant or a different design firm will be responsible for helping the city to determine how the renovation will proceed.

The city plans to also have robust community input during public workshops when it comes to the design.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com