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Linden ‘Living’ Alley Grand Opening

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Phase II of the Linden Alley improvements refines a local gem.

With the support of a Community Challenge Grant issued by the City and County of San Francisco, since 2010 Friends of Linden Alley and Place Lab have been improving one of San Francisco’s most loved alleyways. Earlier this year, O|CB teamed with Place Lab to assist in the completion of Phase II of Linden’s transformation into a Living Alley—a veritable “urban living room,” as designated by the San Francisco Planning Department. These special sites privilege pedestrians over vehicles in shared streets.

Building on the first phase of improvements, O|CB worked with the project team to activate the alley’s western end with pocket gardens and custom-designed seating, completing the visual link to Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley. Benches designed by O|CB and built by Rarefield Design/Build were fashioned from large cuts of reclaimed timber, giving a warm and tactile experience to visitors as they stop to rest. Planting installation was made possible with the help of Friends of the Urban Forest, and evocative hanging lanterns were designed and installed by Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu of HYBYCOZO artist collective. 

On October 12th Friends of Linden Alley celebrated the completion of these Phase II improvements with a block party and official lantern lighting, attended by alley residents, project collaborators, neighbors, and friends, as well as District 5 Supervisor, Vallie Brown.

Read more about Linden Living Alley on Hoodline