BARNES DRUG STORE ALLEY

A closer look at the alley shows the existing walk-up window and the side of the popular restaurant Mi Sombrero. The signature decorative brick of the former Traditions restaurant can also be seen in the background.

EXISTING: This alleyway adjacent to Mi Sombrero could provide an attractive location for outdoor dining.

PROPOSED: This concept expands the outdoor seating area to the former drug store on the right. Creating a side entrance off the alley with seating could offer patrons an inviting outdoor dining experience away from the heavy traffic and noise along Main Street. This design reimagines the bank drive-in as the site of a walk-up daquiri bar. The vacant space between the restaurant and the former bank is shown programmed with flexible outdoor activities like cornhole. A mural on the once blank Mi Somberero back wall features a design by Athensbased artist Heidi Hensley.

PROPOSED: String lights, marquee lighting, and the existing lamppost create a warm and inviting evening ambiance.

Streetscapes And Alleys Crosswalks

Downtown Baxley is bisected by US Highway 1, a very busy, fast, and oversized state highway. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, around 15,000 vehicles traverse this highway each day. Log trucks are a common sight as are other heavy vehicles. This heavy traffic can make safely crossing from one side of downtown to the other on foot a harrowing experience.

This location, near the railroad crossing, is already an area where drivers are watching for cars and trains. The sidewalks in this area also feature existing curb cuts aligned for a pedestrian crossing.

EXISTING:

This photo shows US Highway 1 near the intersection with Park Avenue. The sidewalks indicate that this is a place to cross, but there is no crosswalk or crossing signal. The bump-outs are currently planted with shrubs even though they are large enough to support trees.

PROPOSED:

This rendering shows a proposed crosswalk and pedestrian crossing signs with a flashing beacon. Natchez crape myrtles are shown planted in the bumpouts on either side of the crosswalk. Trees near the street give the impression of the street narrowing, which slows traffic and reminds drivers to pay attention. Especially with fast roads like this one, crosswalks are essential to encouraging foot traffic by making pedestrians feel safe crossing the road.