Kenny Alley Beautification
DESCRIPTION
RHAA had extended a hand to local communities in san Francisco by offering pro bono design services, and was soon contacted by the Excelsior Action Group. The EAG requested help on Kenny Alley: a narrow path and stairway nestled between an unkempt car lot and a graffiti prone wall in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood. A unique high-use conduit between the local commercial corridor and surrounding residential areas, Kenny Alley was identified by neighbors as being blighted and unsafe. RHAA worked closely with community members to develop a plan composed of creative and artful design interventions. The interventions included a wood slat screening fence to act as a unifying element in the space while providing a level of transparency for safety. Artist tiles by the community would be installed on the long flight of stairs that connects the street with the higher residential neighborhood. Installations of wall mounted rain gutters would provide a “guerilla” community garden opportunity. Other low water use plantings throughout the space add texture and softness. The existing concrete pavement would be replaced with a permeable solution to reduce storm water runoff. In ground lighting combined with overhead lighting would increase safety at night. The hope is that the design interventions will be a catalyst for other improvements in the community.
QUICK FACTS
- Community driven pro bono design services
- RHAA worked closely with community members and the Excelsior Action Group to develop a plan composed of creative and artful design interventions
- Renderings were created by RHAA to help communicate the design and help with the Pavement to Parks grant application.
- Phase 1 of this project is currently under construction, with Phase 2 completion slated for 2018
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