Construction to Begin on Pedestrian-Friendly Alley in Hollywood

In an alley with its fair share of potholes, stagnant water and abandoned dumpsters, City Council President Eric Garcetti along with Hollywood business owners broke ground with gold-colored shovels to mark the beginning of a new project on Monday afternoon.

The Cahuenga Alley Project aims to transform an alley between Hollywood Boulevard and Selma Avenue, west of Cosmo Street, into a thoroughfare for pedestrians along with patio seating for restaurant patrons.

Work includes regrading and realigning the storm drain system and the installation of security systems, pavement and lighting. The project is expected to be completed in the fall.

"Today we begin the Cahuenga alley's transformation into a thriving pedestrian environment," Garcetti said. "It's going to be great for business and great for Hollywood."

The estimated cost of the project is $780,000 and is funded by Community Redevelopment Agency money. Property owners plan to improve landscaping and install decorative lighting. Security will be administered by the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance and paid for by its "alley assesment."

“The Hollywood Property Owners Alliance is proud to be part of this unprecedented partnership that is creating a new walkable, public space that will help attract more visitors to our local businesses," said Kerry Morrison, executive director of the Hollywood Property Owners Alliance, the organization that is helping to lead the Cahuenga alley project.

"This project demonstrates the innovation and creative solutions that can result when Hollywood’s business community works together with city agencies,” she said.