SOUTH SILVER SPRING PEDESTRIAN LINKAGES

Background

This project provides for a series of pedestrian links through large scale city blocks in South Silver Spring that will improve connections between existing businesses, parking and planned new commercial development and nearly 900 planned new housing units.  This project is an extension of the streetscaping program that is being implemented in the area.  This project will create new, more convenient, safe and attractive links through South Silver Spring and to other area of the Central Business District.

South Silver Spring is emerging as a special neighborhood, defined by high tech businesses, arts enterprises and major new housing projects.  It is the location of recent investment in new restaurants, convenience retail and a number of exterior building renovations.  The unusually large, awkwardly-shaped blocks that define the geography of South Silver Spring are not suitable for a residential and high tech office neighborhood that is emerging in adjacent areas.  These linkages promote connectivity throughout the area and to other parts the CBD.  A second group of link segments, south of 13th Street, between Eastern Avenue and Georgia Avenue will be evaluated for future consideration along with improvements to the railroad underpass along Georgia Avenue and Burlington Street Bridge. (See 13th Street Streetscaping Project)

The photo below is a view of the Phase I pedestrian linkage called Arts Alley located behind 1100 Blair Mill Road.  The view is looking south towards Georgia Avenue with Mayorga Coffeehouse on the left and Izora Restaurant and Nite Club on the right.  The alley will be limited to pedestrians only and public art will be included throughout the 400' long space.  Special events are also being programmed for this lively new urban space for residents to visit and congregate.

The Phase I "Arts Alley" is currently under construction and is on schedule to be completed by July 2004.

Arts Alley looking south towards Georgia Avenue