Yesterday and today are gently juxtaposed in downtown Modesto’s unique blend of old and new: Two blocks north east of The State are the stately McHenry Mansion and McHenry Museum & Historical Society — which originally served as the city’s first library — both of which were named for one of Modesto’s founding families. Three blocks to the south east is the Gallo Center for the Performing Arts, a multi-million dollar performing arts center that debuted in the fall of 2007. Three blocks to the north west is Graceada Park, Modesto’s oldest city park, designed by John McClaren, the designer of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and developed in 1907. Two blocks to the south west is the decade-old McClatchy Park, a small oasis of lawn and roses, dedicated by the McClatchy newspaper family (and owners of The Modesto Bee).