Alley Arts Improvement Plan is a hit!
Alleys can be an asset! Just look at the efforts of MODBO and SPQR art gallery owners, Brett and Lauren Andrus. Both businesses occupy a downtown Colorado Springs alley unofficially known as the Alley Arts District. Brent and Lauren have spent the last couple of years building events centered on art and music in and around their businesses. The positive energy and activities that the Andrus’ have brought to downtown are a welcome addition and contrast to the other late night offerings. There are challenges to operating in the alley with difficulties ranging from describing the location to patrons and overall safety for pedestrians to navigate this area safely.
Lauren reached out to City Planning and the Downtown Development Authority for support. Discussions followed with HB&A and, through these various dialogues, a strategy came together to conduct preliminary design and facilitated sessions with approximately 200 property stakeholders.
Funding was made available by the DDA, Parking Enterprise, REMAX, and an in-kind donation by HB&A. This initial design effort will directly stimulate positive activities in downtown, allow stakeholders to see possible enhancements, identify and tackle issues, and create an operational understanding for utilization of the alley.