Proposal for Acquisition and Development
626 W. Main Street, Merced, California
APN 031-134-025 | City of Merced Development Opportunity Submitted To Francisco Mendoza-Gonzalez
Economic Development Administrator
City of Merced
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Submitted By 626 W. Main St., LLC
Primary Contact John Martin
Authorized Signatory John Martin
Date 6/30/2026
RFP Deadline Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST
Attachment 4
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Letter of Introduction
June 30, 2026
Francisco Mendoza-Gonzalez
Economic Development Administrator
City of Merced
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Re: Proposal for Acquisition and Development of 626 W. Main Street Dear Mr. Mendoza-Gonzalez:
626 W. Main St., LLC is pleased to submit this proposal for the acquisition and development of the City-owned property located at 626 W. Main Street in Downtown Merced.
We understand that the City is seeking an experienced, well-capitalized developer to deliver a high-quality commercial project that is consistent with the Regional Community Commercial General Plan designation and Central Commercial zoning classification. We further understand that the City desires a project that is unique to Merced and supportive of the Downtown Core and Arts and Cultural District.
Our proposed concept is a compact, design-forward commercial project that activates Main Street, improves the pedestrian environment, and complements nearby downtown assets.
The acquisition will be completed as a cash purchase.
I, John Martin, am authorized to make legally binding commitments on behalf of 616 W. Main St, LLC Sincerely,
John Martin
John Martin
626 W. Main St., LLC
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Executive Summary
Property 626 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340; APN 031-134-025 Approximate Site Area 2,500 square feet
Proposed Use Improved and beautified outdoor gathering/communal space for markets, events, music, etc.
Estimated Building Area 2,500 square feet
Estimated Total Development Cost $TBD
Proposed Cash Purchase Price $65,000
Estimated Jobs Created TBD
Construction Start TBD
The proposal is intended to convert a narrow former walkway parcel into a productive downtown asset. The project will focus on feasibility, high-quality design, local character, and execution certainty.
Proposed Concept
Working Concept
The current preferred concept is a small-format outdoor gathering space designed to support complementary commercial uses such as events, small-format music, fitness, wellness, vendor markets, food-and-beverage popups, and other uses permitted under the Central Commercial zoning district.
The final use will be refined through due diligence, market testing, tenant discussions, and additional feasibility analysis.
Alignment with City Goals
• Provides a commercial use consistent with Regional Community Commercial and Central Commercial designations.
• Creates an active Main Street frontage and supports downtown pedestrian activity. • Complements nearby anchors on Main Street.
• Supports the Arts and Cultural District through design, tenanting, signage, public-facing activity, and potential local art integration.
• Improves lighting, visibility, and security along the site frontage and rear access areas.
Design Concept and Site Plan
The project will be designed as a compact, high-quality infill use that responds to the narrow parcel condition while creating a strong pedestrian-oriented experience and a deliberate downtown addition.
Design Priorities
• Durable exterior materials appropriate for downtown Merced. • Street-facing activity and signage to activate Main Street. • Integrated lighting and security features.
• Potential local art, mural, display, or gallery elements if compatible with the final use. • Efficient rear service access and trash handling, subject to City requirements. 626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Conceptual Design
Development Team
The development team will be led by John Martin. Additional design and construction professionals will be retained as needed to deliver the project.
Team Member Role Relevant Experience Contact
John Martin Developer / purchaser /
sponsor
Owner and Project Lead 919-669-9650
[email protected]
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Relevant Project Experience
Project 1: El Capitan Hotel
Location: Merced, CA
Description: Historic renovation and partial new construction of a 114- room boutique hotel in Downtown Merced with various food & beverage outlets
Current Status: Open & Operational
Developer Role: Developer/Project Lead
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Project 2: Mainzer Theater
Location: Merced, CA
Description: Historic renovation of art deco theater into a Food & Beverage outlet with heavy entertainment focus
Current Status: Open & Operational
Developer Role: Developer/Project Lead
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Project 3: The Tioga
Location: Merced, CA
Description: Full renovation of a historic hotel into a 70-unit multifamily and mixed-use building Current Status: Open & Operational
Developer Role: Developer/Project Lead
626 W. Main Street RFP Response - 626 W. Main St., LLC
Financial Capacity
The acquisition will be completed as a cash purchase.
The development entity has the capability to secure the capital necessary to fund and execute on the proposed plan.
Economic Impact
The proposed project is expected to generate economic benefits for the City of Merced through new private investment, increased assessed value, potential employment, potential sales tax generation, improved pedestrian activity, and strengthened commercial activity.
Payment for City Property
626 W. Main St. LLC proposes to purchase the property for cash. The proposed purchase price is submitted as a separate attachment titled BID AMOUNT, independent of the required submittal documentation, consistent with the RFP instructions.
The City will not be asked to carry financing.
Litigation History with Public Agencies
626 W. Main St., LLC and the proposed development team have not been involved in litigation with any public agencies during the last ten years.
References
Name Title Entity Phone Email Relationship
Robin
Donovan
Regional
Managing
Director
El Capitan
Hotel
209-446-
4005
[email protected] Former
operational
partner
Angela
Garrison
Executive
Vice
President
GSF
Property
Management
559-790-
1920
[email protected] Property
management
partner
Kim
Garner
Director Opportunity
Merced
209-606-
3036
[email protected] Professional
Relationship