Construction will begin Monday, September 9 on a new downtown revitalization project in the Main Street Fayetteville district that will not only enhance aesthetics, but will also increase safety, functionality, and accessibility, a news release from Fayetteville City Hall says.
The Alleyway Improvement Project, located behind the westside buildings on the Courthouse Square, is scheduled for completion in summer 2025.
Planned for nearly a decade, the Alleyway Improvement Project involves shifting the driveway that runs immediately behind those westside Courthouse Square businesses further west several yards to allow for the construction of a pedestrian-friendly courtyard plaza and to provide for increased traffic safety.
Existing power poles will be removed, and the powerlines will be placed underground. Park benches, bicycle racks, and other park features will also be added to improve the overall attractiveness and functionality of the Alleyway.
“These investments in the revitalization of our downtown district are important in order to support and attract businesses, and also to attract residents and visitors to our downtown district,” said Mayor Ed Johnson. “All of this helps create economic activity for our Main Street to thrive.”
“The courtyard plaza will provide a beautiful new community amenity and gathering area for residents,” said City of Fayetteville Economic Development Director Lori Funderwhite. “This will also support our Main Street Fayetteville businesses, who can host community events in the plaza when construction is complete.”
Not only is the existing Alleyway driveway going to be moved, but it will also be widened. Currently, it is a single lane that doubles as a pedestrian space. The new roadway will be built 24 feet wide on land owned by the City, and pedestrians will have plenty of space to navigate around it with new sidewalk installations.
“Another benefit from the Alleyway Improvement Project is the addition of handicapped parking spaces that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Funderwhite said. “Currently, none of the Alleyway parking spaces are ADA-compliant.”
All the westside Courthouse Square businesses will remain open during the construction phase of the Alleyway Improvement Project. Ample free parking is available around the Courthouse Square, at the Fayette County Government Complex, and several other nearby areas. For a Courthouse Square parking map, Alleyway Improvement Project renderings, and project updates, visit www.fayetteville-ga.gov/alleyway.
