Downtown BG launches Alleyway Transformation Project

Downtown BG launches Alleyway Transformation Project

Downtown Bowling Green, in partnership with the City of Bowling Green through its Downtown Forward Initiative, and the B.G. Arts Council, have identified the need to enhance the pedestrian experience in the downtown area. A key focus of this effort is the transformation of the city’s alleyways into inviting gateways that connect a vibrant downtown to accessible parking.

An Alleyway Committee, consisting of members Jenny Bowers, Jeff Dennis, Robin Gerrow, Greg Halamay, Rachel Phipps, Gordon Ricketts, Kati Thompson, and Martha Woelke, was established through Downtown Bowling Green to spearhead this initiative. The committee’s mission is to reimagine the city’s alleyways as destinations that enhance the pedestrian experience for both residents and visitors with a primary goal of establishing a scope of work that prioritizes safety and accessibility while also showcasing the creative talent of the region.

The plan aims to address the unique characteristics of each alleyway while implementing common elements to create a cohesive network throughout downtown. Enhancements will include the addition of signage, public art, seating, and lighting to redefine these pathways.

The committee initially focused its efforts on six primary pedestrian walkways, each of which has been given a historically significant name:

• Dogleg Alley: The two alleyways adjacent to Finders and Insomnia Cookies, connected by a sidewalk behind the buildings, have long been known as Dogleg Alley. This beloved historical name will now serve as the official designation for this area.

• Union Alley: The alleyway extending behind Wildflower Aesthetics, Call of the Canyon, and Kalifornia Glow will be named Union Alley, in recognition of the historical Union Street that once occupied the site of West Wooster Street and was home to the Union Hotel.

• Monarch Alley: Located near the Mini Mall on the southwest block of Main Street, this alleyway will be named Monarch Alley in honor of the Monarch Underwear Company, which once produced undergarments in this area. The name also pays homage to the monarch butterfly, symbolizing transformation and beauty.

• Opera House Alley: The southernmost alleyway on the southeast block of Main Street, formerly an entertainment hub, will be named Opera House Alley. This name reflects the historic Hankey-Taber Opera House, which brought cultural performances to the community.

• Black Swamp Alley: The alleyway between Juniper and Becketts will be named Black Swamp Alley. This designation honors both the region’s history as the Great Black Swamp and the ongoing tradition of the Black Swamp Arts Festival.

The next steps in the project will include the installation of metal archway signs at the rear entrances of each alleyway and smaller metal signs on the Main Street side. Café lighting will also be added to all six alleyways to enhance the ambiance. Additionally, the committee has allocated funds for artistic treatments, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) set to be issued in September for murals in Dogleg Alley. Plans for further enhancements in the remaining alleyways are still in development.

For more information, contact Kati Thompson at [email protected].

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