Alley Assessment & Repairs

As part of an initiative to improve the quality, usability, and attractiveness of downtown Ann Arbor's alleys, the DDA commissioned a study from Washtenaw Engineering in 2004 to assess alley conditions and assist with the preparation of a downtown alley repair plan. This evaluation rated alley features such as drainage, pavement, lighting, aesthetics, and public use.

To date a total of ten alleys have been repaired at a cost of approximately $2 million. Repair elements included replacing damaged storm sewers, improving drainage, installing conduit to anticipate future utility needs, and replacing asphalt with attractive colored and stamped concrete which is more durable. Several more alley repairs are on tap for the future.

Quote

“A good plaza starts at the street corner. If it’s a busy corner, it has a brisk social life of its own. People will not just be waiting there for the light to change. Some will be fixed in conversation; others, in some phase of a prolonged goodbye. If there’s a vendor at the corner, people with cluster around him, and there will be considerable two-way traffic back and forth between plaza and corner.”

William Whyte