By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Downtown Forward project in Bowling Green aims to transform the city’s connection to its hinterlands.
This means that six unlit and uninspired alleyways will be transformed into walkways adorned with artwork, seating and lighting. Each will be named after historical connections to former downtown locations, such as an opera house, a hotel or even an underwear manufacturer.
The goal of the alley project is to “improve the pedestrian experience,” said Kati Thompson, the city’s economic development director, Tuesday during a meeting of the Bowling Green Historic Prevention Coalition.
“A focus of this effort is to transform the city’s alleyways into inviting gateways that connect the vibrant downtown area with easily accessible parking,” Thompson said.
The first step will be installing metal signs showing the name of each alley. Large signs will be placed at the back of the alleys, and smaller signs will be placed on Main Street. Thompson said the signage should be completed later this year.
Café lighting is planned in all alleys.
Artwork in the alley is expected to be added in 2025. Calls for proposals for murals in Dogleg Alley will be released in September.
“It will be exciting to witness the transformation,” Thompson said.
Five alleys with six pedestrian paths were selected for redesign – each of which was given a historically significant name.
Dogleg Alleywhich includes two separate walkways adjacent to Finders on North Main Street and Insomnia Cookies on East Wooster Street. The connected walkway has long been informally called Dogleg Alley. “This beloved historic name will now serve as the official designation for this area,” said Lindsay Jo Durham of Downtown BG.
Union Alleywhich stretches behind Wildflower Aesthetics, Call of the Canyon and Kalifornia Glow on the west side of North Main Street. The name recalls historic Union Street, which once stood on the site of West Wooster Street and was home to the Union Hotel.
Monarch Alleywhich is located near the Mini Mall on the southwest block of Main Street. The chosen name is a tribute to the Monarch Underwear Company, which once produced underwear in this area. The name is also a tribute to the Monarch butterfly, which symbolizes transformation and beauty.
Opera House Lanethe southernmost alley in the southeast block of Main Street, formerly an entertainment center of historic Bowling Green. The name reflects the historic Hankey-Taber Opera House, which brought cultural performances to the community.
Black Swamp Alleylocated between Juniper Brewing Co. and Beckett’s Burger Bar, connecting the town parking lot to South Main Street. This designation recognizes both the region’s history as the Great Black Swamp and the continuing tradition of the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
The alleyway project is being undertaken by Downtown Bowling Green in partnership with the City of Bowling Green as part of its Downtown Forward Initiative and the BG Arts Council.
The alley committee’s mission is to “reimagine the city’s alleys as destinations that enhance the pedestrian experience for residents and visitors, with the primary goal being to create a scope of work that prioritizes safety and accessibility while showcasing the region’s creative talents,” Thompson said.
The plan aims to take into account the different characteristics of each alley while implementing common elements to create a coherent network throughout the city centre.
