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Size
Master Plan for 640-acre downtown
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Housing
Greater housing access and choice with mixed-use buildings and Missing Middle Housing
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Building Types
Strategic infill development at key nodes to create neighborhood-scale housing and amenities
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Biking Facilities
Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connectivity using road diets and one-way to two-way street conversions
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Transit
Focused public investment at the Transit Center to create a new mixed-use, downtown gateway
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Community Engagement
In-depth engagement with local stakeholder groups including a multi-day Design Charrette and workshops
Downtown Modesto Master Plan
Modesto, CA
Community-driven downtown revival
Downtown Modesto is set to transform from an auto-oriented, under-performing center into a memorable, pedestrian-oriented destination. A community-led Master Plan vision celebrates its distinct identity and agricultural roots, with catalyst projects to mobilize downtown revitalization and incremental mixed-use infill for sustained, balanced growth. The economic development strategy focuses on retaining local businesses and includes quick-build, low-cost transformations to spur reinvestment.
A Vision Shaped by Community Conversations
The Downtown Plan has been informed by in-depth conversations with stakeholders and included a Design Charrette that engaged the community in meaningful ways. The Plan aims to create a downtown that benefits everyone. For instance, in response to community concerns, the Plan includes economic development strategies to diversify uses and protect local businesses.
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-2_MOD_Charrette_DSC_0250.jpg)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-3_MOD_Charrette_IMG_0301-2.jpg)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-4_MOD_PublicWorkshop_DSC_0227.jpg)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-5_MOD_Charrette_IMG_4619.jpg)
New Downtown Nodes and Enhanced Connectivity
In addition to strengthening the downtown core at the Transit Station area, new mixed-use nodes diversify the range of downtown entertainment and recreation activities, promoting economic vitality.
Several one-way streets will be converted to two-way to improve mobility and create safe bicycle access to downtown amenities. The new multimodal network will support new housing and neighborhood amenities.
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-1_19092-Opticos_Modesto_PerspBallPark01-3_dc.jpg)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-7_19092-Opticos_Modesto_AerialCourthouse01-3_dc.jpg)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Modesto8.png)
![](https://opticosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Image-9_19092-Opticos_Modesto_PerspCorner01-3_dc.jpg)
Think a generation ahead.
— Community Member, Visioning Workshop