The city of Kaukauna Alley Activation Project beginning in April will connect the Second Street Alley and Third Street Alley near Heritage Mall and The Pub.
Alley Activation is the concept of utilizing alleys to create a space for business and public use, drawing pedestrian activity. Funded through the WEDC Community Development Investment Vibrant Spaces Grant, the alley and vacant lots between Second and Third streets will be converted into an attraction with beautification elements such as modern lighting, outdoor seating, a paved boardwalk and planting areas.
“We believe this project will provide a space for the community to gather and bring business into the downtown area,” Lily Paul, associate planner for the city of Kaukauna, said. “The project also connects the Nelson Trail and the Konkapot Trail going through the Fox Valley, creating a gateway into our downtown.”
The Alley Activation Project is a result of a workshop conducted in the fall of 2021 by Ayres Associates Inc. and funded through the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. The workshop identified areas of improvement and provided conceptual drawings detailing possible outcomes for the spaces.
The city then worked with Trevor Frank, architect from Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. to develop the concepts into a design.
“There was a lot of research and planning that went into the design for this project,” Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman said.
The Alley Activation project will also include renovations for the vehicular alley such as updating the storm sewer, burying overhead cables/utilities, and pavement replacement. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
