Use Dimensions of an Alley Revitalization Project

The redesign of alleyways located in commercial districts is typically undertaken to effect economic development and to develop a sense of community and a sense of place through these spaces. An investigation of a recently renovated alley in the Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, CA was conducted to assess aspects of the efficacy of this project—namely, how and by what magnitude use of the alley differed from use of an unconverted alley. Behavioural observations carried out in the East Cahuenga Pedestrian Alley and a nearby control alley revealed considerable differences in use. Findings include that nearly 90% of all recorded activity occurred in the redesigned alley and the majority of this was pedestrian- and dining-related, while control alley activity was heavily transportation- and work-oriented. Results substantiate claims that alley landscape redesign revitalises social life in commercial district alleys.