MERCED
Gateway to destination By SABRA STAFFORD
M I strongly feel that in the next two years people will see a significant change in downtown Merced. — Mayor Matthew Serratto
erced has long been known as the “gateway to Yosemite” but now, a new momentum is building in the city’s downtown region to take Merced from gateway to destination. The last several years has seen new shops, restaurants, residential apartments, entertainment venues, and a new boutique hotel opening in downtown. These new entities are mixing in with a vibrant art community, the UC Merced Downtown Campus Center, government and business leaders for a downtown resurgence. “I strongly feel that in the next two years people will see a significant change in downtown Merced,” said Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto. The resurgence is being spurred by four key components: private investments, public resources and support, a lively art community, and the return of events. “From a city perspective we have to stimulate the investment from the private side, make the investment on our end and then we have to do our best to put the right structures in place,” Serratto said. The private investment has been led by revitalization projects of The Tioga, The Mainzer and the El Capitan Hotel. The Tioga has been transformed into chic downtown residential apartments that quickly filled up when it opened last year. The amenities include a large mezzanine and community space with pool tables, a kitchen prep station, dining tables, lounge areas, a viewing room, games and art from local artists. Perhaps one of the more enticing details is the entry into The Tioga that replicates the grandeur of what it once was. 209 DOWNTOWNS
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“We painstakingly and lovingly brought it back to its original glory,” said Robin Donovan, the managing director of all three properties. “The Tioga was originally a hotel visited by stars and presidents alike.” The arrival of the sign marking the return of The Tioga proved to be a memorable moment in downtown Merced’s transition. “My phone was blowing up,” Donovan laughingly recalled. “Everyone was texting me and sending pictures. It felt like it was the catalyst - the beginning of the change.” Across the street from The Tioga is the Mainzer, an Art Deco theater transformed into a restaurant and entertainment venue. For those who enjoy games, the Mainzer offers a wide variety of options. There’s Skee-Ball, Ping-Pong, Foosball, and special tables with tops ready for games of chess, checkers, Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble. The Mainzer retained the history and design of the theater. There are two screening areas. The larger space is furnished with tables and chairs and has a stage for live performances and a large screen that will be used for sporting events and other special screenings. “We’re looking forward to having comedy shows and concerts,” Donovan said. The second area is in the mezzanine and is furnished with plush couches and chairs for viewing comfort. “I see this space used for TED talks, documentary screenings and private events,” Donovan said. The restaurant features an upscale menu at affordable price points and sources all food locally. There’s a full
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