A section of new replacement sidewalk poured earlier this month by city crews in the 100 block of North Main Street in downtown Manteca has been removed and is being replaced.

It was done after it was determined it had an incorrect grade that would lead to water puddling on the sidewalk.

The work is being done in conjunction with the city’s pending $1.2 million purchase of the nearby Manteca Bedquarters and adjoining parking lot on the northeast corner of Main and Yosemite.

The owner — as a condition of the sale agreement — is in the process of improving the parking lot.

It will have new pavement and striping.

The sidewalk was removed by city crews to eliminate a driveway access to the parking lot directly from Main Street.

That leaves two entrances to the parking lot — one from Yosemite Avenue and one from the alley.

Eliminating the driveways will allow the city to create a dedicated right run lane from southbound Main to westbound Yosemite to help improve traffic flow.

The initial work included new curbing, gutter and sidewalk.

The parking lot work being done by the current owner will include placing long horizontal concrete blocks often called wheel stops to avoid vehicles in the parking lot from intruding into the sidewalk.

The work will allow the parking lot to be immediately used as a public parking lot once escrow closes.

The city is looking at “interim” improvements to the parking lot after it takes possession of it while steps are being taken to repurpose the historic IOOF Hall that has housed the Manteca Bedquarters since the 1990s.

The city’s long-range plan is to remodel the IOOF Hall — ideally with a private sector partner — into a high profile gathering place such as a restaurant or an entertainment venue. Future uses also could involve utilizing the parking lot for other purposes such as a plaza for outdoor gatherings that could be used for farmers markets and such.

Vision for the IOOF Hall will take a minimum of two to three years to get into place.

Because of that, the city is looking at short term improvements that could be collapsed into future uses of the parking lot.

One option being considered is placing decorative wrought iron fencing between the parking lot and the sidewalk.

The other could include a low wall with murals.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com