Norcross Celebrates Completion of Skin Alley Block Project

The city of Norcross celebrated the completion of the Skin Alley Block Project on Tuesday (May 14) with an announcement and the making of cement handprints.

Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson and Community Development Director Chris McCrary spoke in front of the crowd of around 20 to explain the city's dedication to the project and all of those who helped it come to fruition.

The city of Norcross started the transformation of the back alley between South Peachtree Street and College Street in May 2012. Construction workers tore up the asphalt along the alley so that a new sewer and water line can run though it, and they also installed grease traps for the restaurants and conduit.

In September, paver bands, sidewalks, curbs and landscaping were added to give the alley a more "plaza-like" appearance. There's now an area where trucks can load and unload materials, too.

Jones Street and College Street saw new sidewalks, benches, trashcans, planter areas and tree wells, too.

The Skin Alley Block Project officially finished during the town's Christmas celebration of Sparkle! last November, just in time for the horse-drawn carriage rides to stroll down it for the holiday season.

At the May 14th celebration, Johnson, McCrary, city staff members and others pushed their palms into a circle of cement so that they could be a part of this day forever. Norcross PR Manager Tixie Fowler said the cemented handprints would either go into a low stone wall in the alley or a future walking path.

Check out the video above for a summary of the ceremony.

See also:

• Do You Like Skin Alley's New Look?
• City Starts Skin Alley Block Project

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