Porphyry Alleys
Posted by Roger Murphy on Tue, Nov 01, 2011 @ 12:13 PM
Alleys
Alleys are part of our urban character and while all of them may not be candidates for Porphyry pavers, many planners and designers should look to porphyry to fill the need of beauty, history and permeable sets.
There is valuable urban and in some cases sub-urban real estate lurking in those trash littered spaces connecting streets and between buildings. Cities everywhere are getting rid of unsightly trash bins and creating outdoor galleries, bocce ball courts and outdoor cafes to utilize these once ignored areas. In many cities, alleys are being resurfaced with porous materials that can absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. The spaces are being used to enhance the quality of living and help the environment.
Los Angeles. The city created the Green Alleys Program to reduce the runoff of pollutants into the ocean and come up with creative uses. Los Angeles’ alleys put together are twice the size of Central Park. "There are over 900 miles of alleys in the city of Los Angeles," says Jennifer Wolch, a professor of geography and director of the Center for Sustainable Cities at theUniversity ofSouthern California. "Mostly, alleys are very underutilized, which can lead to unsavory activities."
Seattle. The Clear Alleys Program bans dumpsters, recycling bins and compost containers (with some exceptions) from alleys in the city's 2-square-mile commercial core.
Chicago. The Green Alley program, part of Mayor Richard Daley's environmental and beautification campaign began as a pilot in 2006. The goal is to resurface alleys with porous material that can absorb polluted water into the ground rather than having it spill into Lake Michigan.Chicago is the urban area in North America with the largest number of alleys. 1900 miles, 3500 acres.
Melbourne. The city began supporting businesses willing to start shops in alleys and also began sponsoring art festivals.
San Francisco. In addition to efforts throughout the city to recapture alleys from the deplorable state they are in and create vibrant pedestrian areas, they can boast the first Alley Master Plan involving Chinatowns 30 alleys.
Vancouver. Projects are underway to create live able laneways (alleys), among other thoughts, turn alley garages into artists’ studios.
Boston. In Boston’s South End the problems are at a more basic level. Some alleys are owned by the adjacent property owners (the property line is the middle of the alley) and some are owned and maintained by the city. There are standards for width of modern fire engines andADA issues involved.
The reason for all this activity? There are so many of them, alleys and laneways typically make up about 20 to 30 per cent of urban space - more than parks. Most of them are ugly, trash filled and create tremendous stormwater runoff. Many cities are approaching this from the stormwater point of view, while others are looking to make alleys more live able. Some urban and city planners are paying attention to both of these themes.
It is not just planners who are rethinking alleyways. Business owners in the Hollywood Business Improvement District recently approved a new tax assessment on themselves that creates a fund dedicated to the alleys ofHollywood. The $125,000-a-year fund is supported by about 50 business owners in the area. And while the initial goals are cleanup and maintenance, merchants are hopeful that their alleys can become more than dumping grounds, according to Hollywood BID Assistant Executive Director Sarah MacPherson.
"There's kind of this European vision of outdoor dining and retail entrances through the alley," said MacPherson said of the possible future ofHollywood's alleyways. "They have a very pedestrian scale, unlike many large boulevards that we see inLos Angeles, so it's a very unique way of experiencing Hollywood and a very unique way of experiencing an urban area."
Porphyry's composition determines its high compression strength, resistance to stains, slip resistance, and high freeze/thaw ratings. The stone is the most popular paver in Europe, and is favored for its flexibility in design, beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. ADA Compliant Porphyry pavers are also adaptable to a permeable paving set. The stone is by far one of the most beautiful and durable pavers in the world. These materials are available from Milestone Imports. - www.milestoneimports.com
