3 minute read
Alleys Can Be Fun
Generating Creative Solutions for Downtown
Many of you will recall past bond initiatives that have aided in transforming downtown
Longview. Due to the intentional effort that has occurred we now can boast of a more robust, beautiful city core. The street and sidewalk enhancements has encouraged private development resulting in attracting events and activity. The question was posed, what do we focus on next? How about an BRIAN DAUGHBJERG Alley Project?
Co-owner, Longview
Scrap & Metal Most of us view alleys as small cramped, spaces tucked in behind the businesses or shop we visit. Its where trash, and utility access work is done. Yet, they can be so much more… On a recent Chamber InterCity trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma many of us got to see a mature well-developed city. Tulsa, like so many other cities has realized their alleys can be an asset to the community. These small spaces can be park like or create spaces for weekend festivals, and community events. They can also provide small spaces to sit and relax, while others are more robust with decorative lighting, seating, and murals. Upon returning from Tulsa, I was asked to champion putting together a group to brainstorm about alley opportunities. More than a few of the InterCity trip attendees had also keyed in on the utilization of alley ways and was glad we were going to begin conversations with the city, county, utility providers and business owners. Mark Robinson, AEP’s External Affairs Managers stated –
Over the last 20 years, the City of Longview has invested a lot to improve Downtown through construction project to enhance the streets, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, infrastructure, as well as through matching
facade grants. Additionally, private investment has spurred formerly vacant buildings to be filled with restaurants, shops, and other businesses as we’ve seen a resurgence of activity within our downtown core. Artists SHAWN HARA City of Longview have added beautiful murals throughout the area. Any given weekend you’ll find an event drawing people downtown to enjoy music, food, art, or to support a worthy cause. Following all the improvements we’ve seen downtown, there is an opportunity to enhance the look and usability of bank alley as well.
Like any project, there are certainly some logistical challenges to be considered. While business occurs on the beautified storefronts on Tyler Street, the alley is the home of some critical but less sightly functions. Take a stroll down the alley and you’ll find trash carts, dumpsters, utility wires, and service entrances to many buildings. These are the realities of operation, so the question becomes “how can we maintain these necessary functions while also improving the aesthetic of the alley to compliment the improvements seen throughout the rest of downtown?” Maybe that’s art, maybe that’s lighting, maybe it’s another idea. The answers are not yet fully developed, but it is great that a collaborative conversation is taking place involving several stakeholders to generate creative solutions.
The first meeting was hosted by the Longview Museum of Fine Arts in their new building. The response was very positive! Many seeds were planted, and meetings have continued. It was determined the most logical alley to focus on sits between Methvin and Tyler Streets going east and west and from Green St. to Center St. going north and south. The group believes by having the alley improvement as a marquee project will keep downtown cool and exciting! So, keep your eyes peeled for what we hope will be an improved alley for us to enjoy in a variety of ways.
