Modesto wants to turn this alleyway into a ‘destination.’ How to offer input

A portion of downtown Modesto will be transformed into an “outdoor gallery,” a destination where people can view its many murals.

And the city wants community input on its plans.

Mural Alley, located on a 90-degree angle that connects from J to 10th streets, “is already a jewel of our downtown,” according to Sonya Severo, the city’s public relations and legislative affairs manager.

“We are transforming it (into) a world-class outdoor gallery,” she said in an email. “This redesign is about elevating the visitor experience, making the space more inviting for families, and creating a premier destination that celebrates our city’s artistic identity.”

A community workshop is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, where plans will be presented and residents will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the Mural Master Plan, according to a Facebook post by the city. It will be held at Greens on Tenth, 953 10th St.

Many of downtown Modesto’s outdoor walls are adorned with murals. Mural Alley itself includes 19 works created by local and regional artists, according to Severo.

Plans as she outlined them in the email are:

• A Grand Entryway: A new iconic archway on J street to welcome visitors.
• Artistic Infrastructure: Decorative permeable pavers that are both eco-friendly and beautiful.
• Enhanced Atmosphere: Custom lighting to create a gallery effect in the evening, and new seating to encourage people to stay to enjoy the art.
• Accessibility and Care: New ADA-compliant walkways and integrated trash enclosures to ensure the space remains pristine for everyone.

The city is looking to move quickly on the project, with construction anticipated to begin this summer and be completed before winter.

All but one of the murals along the alleyway have been created during the annual DoMo Walls Festivals, according to Heidi Savage, president/CEO of the Downtown Modesto Partnership (DoMo).

The festivals started in 2018 as the Fasm Creative Battle by Modesto artist Fasm (Aaron Vickery). In 2019, DoMo joined with him to expand the events that bring in artists from outside and within the region to paint murals over multiple days. People can visit and stop to watch as they create.

There’s a budget up to nearly $2.9 million for the Mural Alley revamp, Severo said, from a Clean California Grant received in 2024. It’s expected to cover the total cost of the redesign, “allowing us to deliver these major community improvements without impacting the city’s general fund.”

Severo called the plan “a major investment in the heart of our city. By partnering with organizations like DoMo ..., the Downtown Improvement District (DID), and the Stanislaus Arts Council, we are ensuring that this redesign reflects the soul of our community.”

The upcoming workshop “is a vital part of that collaboration,” she said.

The city will present conceptual designs and will ask people to vote on preferred options, according to Severo. “We want the community to know that their feedback is the foundation of this final design — this is their space, and we want them to help us shape its future.”