Drive Through Becomes Gathering Space

In the heart of Neenah, WI, an unused bank drive through is being converted into a new public space called, Alta Alley.

The project will cost a total of $66,000, and feature children’s play areas, seating, and art. The transformation is funded in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Alta Resources, which owns the former bank property, has authorized using the drive-through for the benefit of the public. The nonprofit, Future Neenah, will lead the design of the area and will organize activities and events. And the city will administer the grant and assist with planning and design.

Future Neenah Assistant Executive Director, Sara Hanneman, says it’s all in the name of bringing a new life to the downtown area. “To create a small place of Zen in the center of our downtown. So if you work downtown, that might include grabbing your lunch from one of the downtown restaurants and coming to eat it here.”

Creative approaches to adding public space are covered regularly in the pages of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.

Click below to learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and other resources for revitalizing downtowns and commercial corridors.

Learn More

Subscribe Today

Read a sample issue

Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed