In many communities demolition of nearby buildings or creation of new parking lots, have exposed previously hidden facades, yet these spaces lack any aesthetic appeal to welcome customers. Unlike the front façade, visual improvements in ancillary spaces can achieve a dramatic impact at little cost. Read More
Not all alley renovations involve costly makeovers. There are many examples where the programming of the spaces made them destinations, rather than physical improvements. For instance, Buckham Alley in Flint, Michigan. Back in 2011, in an effort to attract pedestrian traffic to the businesses located alongside this downtown alley, local residents organized a one-day music festival called the Buckham Alley Fest. In that first year, they had nine bands, fifty vendors, and nearly 1,500 attendees. Read More