A newly installed arch downtown at the corner of Pacheco Boulevard and Sixth Street now welcomes visitors into the heart of Los Banos, signaling the gateway to the historic downtown area of the city. A visual landmark and a functional signpost, the arch is a significant marker in years of sustained work to revive downtown and make it more visible.
As the first step in a broader effort to create a sense of place in the city, the structure is significant in creating an identifiable and inviting gateway.
The location was chosen strategically to draw in the approximate 40,000 vehicles traveling State Route 152 daily. The arch is meant to inform passersby that downtown Los Banos is not only near the corner but worth exploring.
According to Stacy Souza Elms, the Los Banos Community Development Director, the idea of a downtown entrance arch was initially suggested in the early 2000s as part of a city-wide revitalization plan by the then former Redevelopment Agency of the city.
While some provisions of the plan were executed, the project was never completed. In 2011, when California dissolved redevelopment agencies, the project was halted.
It was not until 2019 that the city reverted to the original plans. City officials reached out to the same architect who designed the original design and began the process of revamping the idea to better meet the budget needs of today.
Once revised, the plan was included in Los Banos’ Capital Improvement Program (CIP), placing it on a five-year path towards implementation.
Even though initially scheduled for completion sooner, the project spent time in design changes, bidding and hiring a contractor. After a formal request for bids, the contract was given to P&F Metals of Turlock. It began construction in October 2024 and the steel arch framework was erected from March 18 to March 20 with the final touches still in progress.
The arch has concrete masonry columns and LED lighting for both day and night visibility and aesthetic advantage. The columns, upon completion, will have custom panels to further advance the design of the structure and the character of the city.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be performed on April 25 at 1 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend and be a part of the celebration for the completion of the project. A musical performance by Creekside Junior High School band will precede the ceremony.
The downtown arch, according to Elms, is a testament to a dream born years ago and now fulfilled. It is a symbol of a renewed focus on downtown Los Banos, maintaining its heritage but building towards a more connected, inclusive future.
