Alleys are an important element in urban design. While they rarely still serve the technical functions they were intended to serve they offer a unique perspective of what is happening, and has happened, at the margins of the urban experience.
I always thought that one of the best things about living in downtown Indianapolis was the alleys. I loved knowing the shortcuts, but also they had this really pedestrian sense to them. In contrast to the large boulevards of the grid iron streets downtown the alleys provided a bit of refuge and at the same time some pleasant surprises. It is always easy to spot interesting architectural details, historic paving and public infrastructure or discarded belongings, art, furniture and other items in alleyways.
OTR has some great ones too. Unfortunately many have been separated from the rest of street network and public space because of an exploitation of their best qualities. Hopefully one day the eyes on the street will enable them to become part of the urban fabric again. Until then here are a few shots of some that remain open and have been terminated at some point or another.
7 Comments
02/27/2008 at 2:03 pm
I like the last picture; anymore pictures of dark alleys like this?
02/27/2008 at 8:44 pm
I love alleys, and these are cool shots!
02/27/2008 at 9:42 pm
FYI
There is a great book on alleys, specifically, those in Louisville, KY. It is written by Grady Clay, perhaps better known for How to Read the American City.
It is called Alleys: A Hidden Resource
Being a disquisition of upon the origins, natural disposition, and occurrences in the American scene of Alleys. Together with special attention being given to some small scale and easily completed proposals for their improvement in Louisville, where they do constitute a hidden resource. Together with an inquiry into the disappearance of alleys from the polite society and prospects for their rehabilitation.
02/29/2008 at 10:23 am
As a native of Washington DC, part of what I loved about that city was all the alleys, most of them drivable. It makes you feel like you know a whole other level to the city…
02/29/2008 at 4:40 pm
Thanks for the great photos! That second picture is the alley behind the Bremen Lofts on Republic street. Thats where I’ll be moving to. My wife and I are actually really excited that they gated off that alleyway. It will allow us to let our dogs run around back there.
03/31/2008 at 7:51 am
Here’s an interesting NYT article on the alleys of San Francisco. “Unlike many cities that have built over or ignored their old service streets, San Francisco has embraced them.”
07/07/2008 at 1:23 pm
Good pics. I take it OTR is Over-The-Rhine? I used to head down there from time to time years ago, in college (Miami U). Very cool area with a lot of interesting places for people interesting in urban design.
If you’re interested in alleys, I just started an alleys-blog: http://alleyways.wordpress.com/ Not much there yet, but I’ll work on it. Open to suggestions.