Get ready for some “good vibes” downtown.

That’s because the mural that now graces the wall facing the city parking lot at Yosemite and Sycamore avenues that was completed this week is just the beginning.

In the coming weeks, the city will be stringing lights across the concrete area between the murals and a low wall that has been capped to create seating and is adjacent to the parking lot.

The lighting will be similar to the 100 block of North Maple Avenue where the monthly Music on Maple takes place.

Mayor Gary Singh said city is tossing around various “programming” for the concrete area that will be beneath the lights and next to the festive “Choose Good Vibes” designed to encourage selfies.

Those include:

*Working with the local roller skating group to program “skate nights.”

*Perhaps encouraging the winners of the city’s food truck contest to set up shop there as often as possible.

*Encouraging groups to have events there such as a small farmers market, an antique fair, and possible small scale concerts and such.

The city will also upgrade the parking lot.

The mayor said the city hopes to encourage nearby concerns that have suitable walls for murals between Manteca Avenue and Sycamore Avenue to add their own murals.

The Manteca Mural Society has its “Bountiful Valley” mural in the alley on the east side of Sycamore Avenue.

The Sycamore alley leads to Manteca Avenue where the “Manteca Snow” mural celebrating the almond blossom season and the six Library Park murals can be found.

The long-term plan is to build a 5-story low-income senior complex on the corner where the parking lot and the concrete area next to the new mural is located.

That process — which requires meeting state criteria — could take two more approval cycles to advance meaning it good be another five years before the housing project moves forward.

The city bought the corner that also included the infamous free-standing wall that stood for 40 years after a fire destroyed buildings on either side of it including the old Waukeen Hotel where two people perished in the blaze.

The city bought the property for $80,000 three years ago.

City Manager Toni Lundgren did not want the property to continue to be an eyesore while they work with a non-profit housing organization to move the five story building forward that will include retail on the ground floor.

The city tore the wall down last year to allow for community uses to bolster downtown traffic and appeal.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com