Alley Arts Improvement Plan

Alleys can be asset!  Just look at the efforts of MODBO and SPQR art gallery owners, Brett and Lauren Andrus. Both businesses occupy a downtown 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 the 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 City Planning and the Downtown Development Authority for support.  Discussion followed with HB&A Architects and Planners and through these various discussions 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 issue and create an operational understanding for utilization of the alley.

View here the Alley Arts Improvement Plan.  And then share your ideas and comments on our Downtown Colorado Springs Facebook page.