City of Phoenix hopes to turn dark alleys into vibrant spaces

PHOENIX — Some dark alleys in Downtown Phoenix could be home to murals, public seating, even outdoor seating for restaurants.

The goal of the city’s new alley activation program is to make those dimly lit places friendly for visitors. Sandra Hoffman, Deputy Director of Planning for the city of Phoenix, said it could also benefit restaurants that border an alleyway, allowing them to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages.

“What we’re hoping to see is that businesses that back on to an alley would find a way to extend their uses into the alley and be able to at least make it more of an open, safe and more attractive type of an environment,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman said the minor activation option would focus more on cleanliness, aesthetics and safety. It could mean murals, temporary public seating and lighting. The medium activation option would mean a public or private gathering space, which could include banners and shade screens. The city would also allow restaurant service in the alley.

“This would help to create more of that friendly, pedestrian dynamic environment that we would like to create,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman said they are looking for businesses and restaurants to partner with them on this pilot program.