TAOS ALLEYWAY NETWORK PROJECT

Taos Mainstreet

Project Introduction

The Taos Alleyway Network Project is a continuation of the work documented in the " Strong at Heart; Downtown Strategy Repor t". The Strong at Heart Project sought to develop a vision and strategy for both the preservation and growth of downtown Taos. It engaged the Taos community in a series of discussions and activities around shared values, goals, improvement strategies and action planning. Through public outreach, the community identified the following five goals as central to redevelopment of downtown Taos.

A walkable and bikeable downtown
Places that are built for people
A strong economy where local businesses thrive
An authentic place designed for local residents
An affordable place to live

From these goals, the following strategies were developed to address them.

Improve street life and walkability
Expand and enhance the downtown alley network
Create a safe and connected downtown bike network
Enable quality downtown development

On June 25, 2019, the Taos Town Council adopted a resolution to include the Strong at Heart plan in the city's Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Taos Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (2021-2025) supports the Strong at Heart goals, including funding for new Taos sidewalk design and installation, Taos Plaza reconstruction, improved Plaza lighting, restoration of shade trees and other projects to improve economic sustainability and community health.

The Taos Alleyway Network Project specifically addresses strategy two: expanding and enhancing the downtown alley network, while simultaneously supporting many of the other strategies and goals outlined in the strategic plan. The Alleyway project looks to take previously identified goals for Taos alleys, develop them further, engage stakeholders in the planning, and role out the implementation of the network in phases.

Tell Us About Your Alleyways

Our first steps in continuing the Taos Alleyway Network Project is to create an inventory of all alleyways in downtown Taos, identifying opportunities and challenges to improve each. We want community input to inform this inventory. Please submit your comments in the map below.

Taos Alley Network: Public Map Marking

Timeline

Proposed Alleyway Network

*Taos Alley Network, Sidewalks and Assets Map*; Source: Strong at Heart Downtown Strategy Report

Tour the map of Taos alleys below to see current sites for alley renovations and artists' renderings of possible transformations.

01 / 06

Teresina Alley (facing south)

This cobblestone pedestrian alley is partially lined with planters. Teresina Alley is 20 feet wide and centrally situated to the Plaza. Adjacent businesses that could benefit from activation of this alley include Taos Adobe Quilting, Twirl and Alley Cantina .

Scheurich Alley (Facing east)

This centrally located alleyway is also paved with cobblestone. There are multiple opportunities for upgraded bancos, additional vegetation, green stormwater capture, shade structures and wayfinding signage. Surrounding businesses who could benefit from an activated alleyway include La Tierra Mineral Shop , Mesa's Edge , Studio 107B, Taos Mountain Outfitters , Taos Trading , Made in New Mexico , Acuarelas , Jackie's Trading Post and Artwares .

Juan Largo Lane (facing south)

Twenty seven feet wide, this pedestrian only space is well-utilized by businesses during the day and has a ample seating. Opportunities exist for additional wayfinding signage. Chokola Bean to Bar, Michael McCormick Gallery, Sushi Siam , Taos Artist Collective and Manzanita Market open to the alley.

Barela Lane

Barela Lane sits behind the Taos Inn and various shops on Paseo del Pueblo. While currently used as access into the Taos Inn parking lot, opportunities exist for additional street lighting, wider sidewalks, and extra entrances to businesses facing the alley.

Des Georges Place

Des Georges Place is just east of Paseo Sur and south of Kit Carson Rd. Currently this space is unpaved. Opportunities exist for wayfinding signage connecting various alleys and sidewalks as well as the addition of more vegetation. The Spotted Bear, and Amigos Bravos could benefit from an activated pedestrian space here.

La Fonda Alley

The alleyway between Hotel La Fonda and the old theater is typically used by hotel guests to access the parking lot. Sixteen feet wide, it could be transformed by improved paving, vegetation, lighting and seating areas. Both La Fonda and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory gain a pedestrian friendly space if the alley were to be renovated.

Opportunities

Towns across the country have activated their underutilized alleys garnering multiple benefits. Through redeveloped alleyways, the public gains space to gather and socialize, improved walkable spaces, better access to local businesses and a renewed sense of the historical identity of the community.

01 / 12

Taos Alley Network Considerations

Safety and Lighting

While traditionally alleys have been seen as unsafe, increasing visibility through lighting can reduce security concerns.

Additionally, security cameras could be added to improve public safety.

Pedestrian Access to Local Businesses

Creating more walkable alley spaces in downtown Taos will allow for improved access to and visibility for small businesses. Opportunities exist to expand dining and display space to the outdoors or open up additional entryways to shops off the alleyways.

Authentic Taos History & Culture

Community members overwhelmingly support preserving the historic and cultural aspects of the downtown core. Activating the alleyways through landscaping, mural-making, improved signage and lighting would create a welcoming pedestrian space for all.

Phasing Opportunities

Small projects to activate the alleyways can be implemented before committing to larger redesign or redevelopment.

Opportunities to Socialize

Alleyways can be redeveloped as safe, car-free spaces for festivals and other events. Seating, shade structures and alternative paving materials give people a public space in which to gather and socialize.

Improvement in Connectivity

Creating a more developed alleyway network is intertwined with another Strong at Heart community goal- a walkable and bikeable downtown. Taos residents voiced concerns around gaps and obstructions in the downtown pedestrian walkway network. Activating the alley network could improve pedestrain safety while improving accessibility between various destinations.

Universal Accessibility

Inclusion was rated as one of the community's highest values in the Strong at Heart report. It's important to ensure that the alley network is accessible to all.

Opportunities for Creative Placemaking

Art plays a central role in Taos history and culture. Activating alleyways downtown through events featuring the creation of public art can foster a sense of community.

Green Space & Stormwater Catchment

Many cities have used the redevelopment of alleys to create green stormwater capture areas and to provide additional green space for neighborhood residents.

Shade & Seating Areas

Adding seating and shade along the alley network is key to ensuring a comfortable outdoor space where people will want to gather.

Way-finding Signage

Good signs are key to navigating and accessing downtown businesses. Improved signage would enhance pedestrian experiences and provide creative placemaking opportunities.

Notes & Sources

AARP. "Meet Us In the Alley" https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/livable-in-action/info-2019/activated-alleys-placemaking.html

ArcGIS Mainstreet Taos Master Map

Caggiano, L. "Why Your City Should Transform an Alley". (2018) Input Ft. Wayne. https://www.inputfortwayne.com/news/AlleyActivation.aspx

Carrion, M. "'20 ft Wide Revives Austin Alley with Art, Architecture" (2013). The Daily Texan. https://thedailytexan.com/2013/04/18/20ft-wide-revives-austin-alley-with-art-architecture/

Downtown Development Authority, Fort Collins, CO. "Fort Collins Downtown Alleys Master Plan Report " (2008)

Downtown Development Authority, Fort Collins, CO. "Completed Alleys" https://downtownfortcollins.org/downtown-alleys/completed-alleys/

Fialko, M & Hampton, J. "Seattle Integrated Alley Handbook; Activating Alleys for a Lively City" . (2010).

Inhabitat via Trust for Public Land. "Bradley Plaza Green Alley; a new park for an old LA neighborhood" https://inhabitat.com/bradley-plaza-green-alley-a-new-park-for-an-old-la-neighborhood/

Lens EyeView Photography, "Santaria de Nuevo Mexico" (2016). https://www.lensaltiel.com/blog/santeria-de-nuevo-mexico

Town of Taos, "Strong at Heart; Downtown Strategy Report" (2019).

Trust for Public Land & UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, "The Avalon Green Alley Network Demonstration Project; Lessons Learned from Previous Projects for Green Alley Development in Los Angeles & Beyond. " (2015).