The ever-changing appearance of Merced’s downtown is getting another important upgrade.

Victor A. Patton

The Merced FOCUS

Merced leaders held a noon ceremony Tuesday to officially kickoff the $3.5 million renovation of Bob Hart Square, the historic central hub of the city’s downtown at West Main and Canal streets.

City leaders planned to give the square an overhaul since 2018, but the COVID-19 pandemic paused those plans for several years.

Work on the project finally commenced last month, and the new-and-improved Bob Hart Square is expected to be ready for public enjoyment by fall.

The upgrades will include a new stage and expansion of the outdoor plaza toward the south side of the square toward 16th Street.

Crews are currently working to replace a water main that runs under the square – which explains why much of the area is fenced off, with construction equipment present.

All of the businesses in the vicinity of the construction zone remain open.

Mayor Matthew Serratto said Bob Hart Square has always been a special place for Merced residents, as a central location for businesses, nightlife and public events.

It’s also the place where speeches are given on Veterans Day and other important holidays. Plus, it’s where the annual MERCO Christmas Tree lighting happens.

“We’re extremely excited to do this, to offer a great central gathering space for our community, for our downtown,” Serratto said. “We’re also here to honor all of our local businesses that make downtown Merced so special.”

The plaza’s upgrade is just one of several big changes in recent years as part of the city’s efforts to raise downtown’s profile.

Just across the street from the square, the historic Hotel El Capitan underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in recent years, as did the Hotel Tioga and the art deco-style Mainzer theater.

Not long ago, those buildings were all dilapidated goliaths of the past. Today, they are widely considered resurrected Valley jewels of the present.

Plus, last year an IMAX theater screen was added to Regal Hollywood cinemas on Main Street, adding to the attractions downtown has to offer.

“Without a great downtown, you don’t have a great city,” Serratto said, referring to the facelift happening at Bob Hart Square. “So you need to have a great downtown that anchors everything (as a) hub for arts, culture, nightlife, restaurants, activities, events and cultural celebrations.”

Around $2 million of the funds paying for the project are from federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

The square is named after late Merced Mayor Robert L. Hart, who led the city from 1979 until 1981, according to Merced Sun-Star archives.

A Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Hart said he was a fourth-generation descendant of John Hart of New Jersey, one of the 51 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

He died in Merced on Aug. 10, 1983, just two days after his 59th birthday. City officials renamed Merced Main Street Square in Hart’s honor in March 1984.

About the Author

Victor Patton is editor-in-chief of The Merced FOCUS.