Merced’s Mainzer Theater being considered for federal historic designation

Downtown Merced’s Mainzer Theater — an art deco gem that’s been one of the city’s key architectural hallmarks since the 1930s — is among 13 California locations being considered for federal historic designation.

California’s Historical Resources Commission is scheduled to meet virtually 9 a.m. Friday to consider the Mainzer for the designation, along with the 12 other locations on the list.

According to a release from the commission, placement on the national register can help bring positive attention to a historic place and affords a property the honor of inclusion in the nation’s list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

Registration also provides a number of incentives for preservation of historic properties, including special building codes to facilitate the restoration of historic structures, and certain tax advantages, the release said.

Located at West Main and N streets, the theater had been closed for more than a decade until last year.

The building, which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation under JdV by Hyatt, now features a restaurant with a wide variety of comfort food and a bar with self-serve beer taps. The theater’s stage was also renovated and hosts live acts.

Other locations up for federal designation consideration include:

1. Christiansen and Grow Filling Station, City of Orange, Orange County

2. Commercial Club, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County

3. Floral Park Historic District, City of Santa Ana, Orange County

4. Inspiration Heights Historic District, City of San Diego, San Diego County

5. Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross, Marin County

6. Arthur C. and Judith Mathews House, City of Atherton, San Mateo County

7. Murer House and Gardens, City of Folsom, Sacramento County

8. People’s Park, City of Berkeley, Alameda County

9. Northern California Doghole Ports Maritime Cultural Landscape, Mendocino and Sonoma counties

10. Salt Point Landing Historical and Archaeological District, Jenner, Sonoma County

11. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Amendment, San Francisco, San Francisco County; Oakland, Alameda County

12. St. Isidore Catholic Church, City of Los Alamitos, Orange County

According to the commission, the Friday meeting will not be held at a publicly accessible location, though it may be viewed via CAL-SPAN (cal-span.org).

Those interested in participating in the meeting can register for attendance via the Zoom link posted on the Commission’s Meeting Schedule and Notices webpage.