New streetscaping improvements are coming to downtown Norcross, and first on the schedule is the long-awaited Skin Alley Block Project.

The streetscaping started Wednesday, according to Norcross City Engineer Jeff Mueller. As part of the newly approved Livable Centers Initiatives Study, Skin Alley's facelift includes widening the road with paver bands and concrete, and adding an area where trucks can load and unload materials.

The addition of curbs and landscaping at the Jones Street entrance of the alley will give it a "plaza-like" appearance, Mueller said in a press release.

"It's a big part of the Skin Alley block," Mueller told Patch. "It's something that the city's been working for for some time, so there's a lot of anticipation."

These additions come after the July construction of the alley when conduit, grease traps and above-ground electrical poles were installed, according to a press release from the city.

College Street and Jones Street also will see changes, too, specifically the north side of College Street from Holcomb Bridge to the Norcross Community and Cultural Arts Center, and the west side of Jones Street from College to South Peachtree Street.

Similar to the changes done to Holcomb Bridge Road, new sidewalks, benches and trashcans are coming to both areas, and there will be some planter areas and tree wells. Expect to see some new streetlights in certain areas, too.

Skin Alley's reconstruction should be finished by late November, just in time for the holiday events and particularly the holiday carriage rides. The entire streetscape project is expected to finish mid-March, said Mueller.

Community Development Director Chris McCrary assured that while construction will take about 180 days, there won't be any construction during events such as the upcoming Norcross Art Fest and Italian Car Day.

The construction schedule is on Norcross’ municipal website, www.norcrossga.net. Questions about this project and its updated status should be directed to Jeff Mueller at 678-421-2027 or jmueller@norcrossga.net.

See also:

• Speak Out: Would You Change Skin Alley's Name?
• City Starts Skin Alley Block Project
• City Sends Bid for Second Phase of Skin Alley Project

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