In response to Citlabatelier, What Would You Do With This Space?
In Washington, DC, a benchmark for the revitalization of alley spaces is Blagden Alley and Naylor Court, one of a handful of historic alleyways remaining in the city. There are numerous buildings encompassed within the surrounding block and accessible only through the alley.
Once host to dozens of Civil War era homes, a visitor today would find it hard to imagine: A coffee house patio looks upon an enclosed, but airy court. An art gallery hosts events in a sweeping space where guests can seamlessly meander into when the large glass overhead door is raised. Residences may be found tucked away in nooks that feel distant from the bustle of the city.
Blagden Alley is located in the southwestern outskirts of Shaw, an area that has seen rapid redevelopment in the last four years. It's brick-lined passages and court reveal functional buildings, many with a distinctly raw charm that has often been carefully maintained by owners and further conveyed through thoughtful rennovation. The renewal of Blagden may be said to have been sparked by other development in Shaw, but a few destination businesses helped attract visitors and peak interest in the area. For example, Long View Gallery is an arts and events space featuring a flowing, wide open industrial style that is unique among such venues in the city. Wagtime is popular dog daycare and "salon."
The aforementioned destination businesses, as well as the continued growth and development of Shaw, proved intriguing enough to attract more attention and investment. A new bar, Lost and Found, has opened. A micro-condo project is slated to begin development soon. It appears two or three other developments on the block are nearing completion or well underway. Over 130 years since families first lived there, Blagden Alley has come back to life.
Find out more about historical Blagden Alley in my field notes on the location, An Alleyophile's Delight.
In Washington, DC, a benchmark for the revitalization of alley spaces is Blagden Alley and Naylor Court, one of a handful of historic alleyways remaining in the city. There are numerous buildings encompassed within the surrounding block and accessible only through the alley.
Once host to dozens of Civil War era homes, a visitor today would find it hard to imagine: A coffee house patio looks upon an enclosed, but airy court. An art gallery hosts events in a sweeping space where guests can seamlessly meander into when the large glass overhead door is raised. Residences may be found tucked away in nooks that feel distant from the bustle of the city.
Blagden Alley is located in the southwestern outskirts of Shaw, an area that has seen rapid redevelopment in the last four years. It's brick-lined passages and court reveal functional buildings, many with a distinctly raw charm that has often been carefully maintained by owners and further conveyed through thoughtful rennovation. The renewal of Blagden may be said to have been sparked by other development in Shaw, but a few destination businesses helped attract visitors and peak interest in the area. For example, Long View Gallery is an arts and events space featuring a flowing, wide open industrial style that is unique among such venues in the city. Wagtime is popular dog daycare and "salon."
The aforementioned destination businesses, as well as the continued growth and development of Shaw, proved intriguing enough to attract more attention and investment. A new bar, Lost and Found, has opened. A micro-condo project is slated to begin development soon. It appears two or three other developments on the block are nearing completion or well underway. Over 130 years since families first lived there, Blagden Alley has come back to life.
Find out more about historical Blagden Alley in my field notes on the location, An Alleyophile's Delight.