Through a new competition, the city of Seattle is looking to revive and reuse the alleys of the urban core.
"Recently, Seattle's Department of Transportation co-sponsored a competition with the Seattle-based International Sustainability Institute to see if our community of creative designers could concoct ideas for Nord Alley, between S. Main and S. Jackson Streets in Pioneer Square. At a recent gala, several winners were announced with great fanfare and kudos by Councilwoman Sally Bagshaw, chair of the council's parks committee.This could bode well for the cityscape, as this is the same committee that is converting Bell Street into a future urban park.
Seattle's Department of Transportation is now supporting the creative use of the public rights of way in the city. Alleys are a relatively simple way of creating unique public spaces without needing to purchase expensive land."
Ideas for reusing alleyways range from the simple addition of lighting to elaborate plans to lure businesses into alley spaces.
FULL STORY: How to make urban alleys work
Four Cities Making the Most of Alley Spaces
Urbanful examines four cities making the most of scare public spaces by reactivating their alleys with programming and pedestrian-friendly designs.
Reconsidering the Urban Alley
Alyse Nelson takes a look at a handful of alleys that were transformed from crusty dumping grounds into beautiful urban spaces.
Breathing Life Back into Seattle's Alleys
The City of Seattle is looking to revive some of its often forgotten and neglected urban spaces: alleys.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.
‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.
Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions