Back alley to center stage, blueprint for Sunshine Alley takes shape
Published 3:42 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2014
The Town of Friday Harbor not only has ideas in mind for Sunshine Alley, it has a blueprint with a long list of improvements as well.
The potential upgrades include the addition of an outdoor dining deck behind Haley’s Sports Bar and Grill, a clock tower to the public restrooms, walls of greenery, freestanding kinetic art, and light standards throughout. An expansion of Brickworks, with performance stage, seating, an outdoor dining area are possible improvements included in the preliminary plan, as well as conversion of the alley’s private cottages into retail space.
“While the plan is still in its infancy, we have narrowed options and provided guidance to creating a vibrant and useful centerpiece for the community,” said town Administrator Duncan Wilson. “An attractive and comfortable outdoor facility creates a sense of place. Because of the Ag Guild’s success in creating Brickworks, Sunshine Alley has real potential to fill this need.”
The preliminary plan and list of possible improvements follow months of research and collaboration by the town, alley stakeholders, the public and the Beckwith Consulting Group. The process included interviews with property and business owners, surveys, focus groups and several open houses to gather ideas for improvement of the alley. Beckwith Consulting Group, a La Conner-based urban design company, was selected to help develop plans for the alley’s upgrade.
The three major gateways to the alley, First Street, Nichols Street, and the walkway from Spring Street would be highlighted with pavement accents, overhead lighting, murals, and plantings.
The cost of the proposed improvements is estimated at $2.9 million, including property acquisition. Funding could come from the town, private property owners, and the San Juan Island Agricultural Guild. Suggested funding sources include historic tax credits, hotel/motel tax funds, the Main Street program and grants, as outlined in the proposal.
The urban design company Beckwith Consulting Group was selected to assist with development plans for Sunshine Alley.
The preliminary plan and concept summary are available under “notices” at www.fridayharbor.org.
