Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Honorary Arts District in Downtown Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Establishment Of An Honorary Arts District in Downtown Merced, centered along Main Street from the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way to O Street, and bounded by16th Street to the North and 18th Street to the South.
RECOMMENDATION
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission - Adopt a motion approving the establishment of an honorary Arts District in Downtown Merced, centered along Main Street from the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way to O Street, and bounded by 16th Street to the north and 18th Street to the south.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff, or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff, or
3. Deny, or
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items, or
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Council Goals and Priorities: Public Works & City Beautification.
DISCUSSION
At the May 18, 2023, Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Meeting, following City Council’s direction, a subcommittee was formed to identify and recommend potential areas for up to three Arts Districts within the City of Merced.
On July 20, 2023, during the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Meeting, the subcommittee presented its recommendation for a proposed Arts District in the City of Merced. The Commission subsequently adopted a motion to recommend the proposed district to the City Council.
At the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting, the Council approved moving forward with the establishment of Arts Districts in Downtown Merced and South Merced and directed staff to explore creating a trail Arts District along Merced’s extensive trails network.
The areas of focus included:
• Downtown: The identified L-shaped district, which incorporates the historic Courthouse Museum and extends to the intersection of Main and G Street, bordered by O Street, M Street, 16th Street, and 18th Street.
• McNamara Park/South Merced: From McNamara Park to Gilbert Macias Park, including the surrounding areas near the county fairgrounds.
• Fahrens Park to Rahilly Park: A bike and walking path that could potentially host art projects along the city’s extensive trails.
Building on the recommended L-shaped district, we're proposing a more focused Honorary Arts District centered around the part of town where arts and culture are already thriving. This core area includes Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, stretches west to Main and O Streets, and is bordered by 16th and 18th Streets. For the purpose of this report, the request is focusing only on establishing an honorary district for Downtown.
By designating this area as an Honorary Arts District, we aim to both celebrate the existing creative energy and better position the community to tap into arts-related grants and funding opportunities. The district includes popular gathering spaces, shops, restaurants, and regular cultural events-making it a natural fit for this kind of recognition.
Included is an overlay map showing how the proposed district lines up with these activity hubs. This strategic designation can help open more doors to funding and support for our ongoing arts and culture efforts.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on City resources at this time.
ATTACHMENT
1. Downtown Map