Huntingburg moving forward with alley improvement
Historically, alleys can be seen as utilitarian features of cities providing access for deliveries and space for utilities; hardly walkable or inviting in many cases. But as cities in Dubois County work to create more walkable spaces for visitors, alleys are being considered for enhancements to entice pedestrians and visitors to explore the city’s features.
The City of Huntingburg is moving forward with improving an alley between the Huntingburg Bank building at 418 Fourth Street and the former Overtime Restaurant at 422 Fourth Street.
“This alley was selected as a priority because of its proximity to Memorial Gym,” Rachel Steckler, Huntingburg Director of Communication and Community Development, told the Huntingburg Board of Public Works at the February 2, meeting.
“The overall goal would be, ultimately, to connect it all the way to Fifth Street eventually, but for this particular phase, it’s basically just between those buildings,” Steckler told the council Tuesday evening.
For Huntingburg, the Alley Activation Program began in 2020 after it was identified as an initiative in the city’s comprehensive plan. According to Steckler, the program is designed to improve connectivity and walkability to downtown/Fourth Street.
Adding lighting, improving paving, creating outdoor seating and decorating the alley with murals along both walls could provide an attractive avenue from the new parking being created behind buildings in that area to Fourth Street as well as from Memorial Gym on Fifth Street.
A quick scan of social media finds that these alleys also become focal points for photographers — professionals and selfie enthusiasts alike.
The estimate for the alley improvements is about $344,458.12, and the city has been awarded grants to help fund it. In October of 2022, the city was awarded a $110,819 Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative grant from the Indiana Uplands ROI. As part of the match for the grant, the city was able to include work done during the Fourth Street improvements for their portion of the project total ($115,000). That included updating the storm sewers underneath the alley and adding the overhead lighting and parking bollards at the entrance.
The IU Center for Rural Engagement also awarded the city two grants totaling $39,286 for the project.
The remaining amount on the project is covered through the Community Development budget ($20,000) and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act ($60,000).
The council approved the contract with LAA Office for $10,000 and also approved the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative grant agreement.
Moving forward, the city is contracting with LAA Office to complete the design and construction documentation, coordinate the request for proposals from artists for the murals and perform construction administration for $10,000. In their proposal, the firm estimates the alley project should be complete by the end of August or early September.