The City of Monroe celebrated the addition of a vibrant new mural and new public furniture in Downtown’s Morgan-Windsor Alley with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 9.
“This is a celebration of what’s happening in Monroe. It’s all about bringing more opportunities and spaces like this to bring people together. When you come Downtown, these streets are packed with people, and you can see the energy,” said Mayor Robert Burns.
City Council and dozens of supporters filled the alley to marvel over the recent enhancements and learn more about the alley’s storied history.
“This project started with a vision many years ago and has transcended several iterations of City Council and several iterations of City administration. The contributions and ideas of each of those groups coming together makes this what it is today,” said City Manager Mark Watson.
City Council approved the Morgan-Windsor Alley Project in 2020; but, just as many other projects around the country, it experienced setbacks brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and sky-high inflation.
“I remember [Former Mayor] Marion Holloway and I standing out here four years ago in the very early stages of this project thinking ‘are we really going to be able to pull this off?’” said Council Member Gary Anderson. “It took a lot of work over the years to get this accomplished and it’s truly been a team effort.”
“It’s truly about the people coming together, congregating in a space where we can live and play together. I thank everybody who contributed to the project, and to everybody who is going to make it the best space in Monroe,” said Council Member Franco McGee.
The pedestrian plaza ties three of the City’s streets together (Windsor, Morgan and Hayne Streets) with one central thoroughfare and meeting place for everyone to enjoy, relax, laugh and play.
“I remember the days when this was a very narrow street and people just knew which way to go,” said Council Member Julie Thompson. “What a beautiful space for us to come together as a community and connect. I can’t wait to bring my family and my grandchildren back to enjoy this space even more.”
The new mural, created by the artist team Girls Who Paint, features North Carolina’s state bird (the cardinal), our state insect (the bee), and native florals that bring the alley to life with color.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful project that’s come to fruition. It’s another reason why Monroe is the place to be,” said Council Member Surluta Anthony.
“I want to thank the staff for making this a place for families to spend time in Downtown Monroe,” said Council Member David Dotson.
The new public furniture, from Sister Bay Furniture, creates a welcoming space where residents and visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy a meal or a quiet moment in the heart of Downtown.
“This alley was imagined to be a place where the community would meet to spend time together, and I’ve gotten to see that firsthand. No matter what time of day it is, I see families gathered here and people enjoying one another having actual conversations instead of being on their cell phones,” said Downtown Manager Donna O’Keefe.
In addition to the mural and furniture, the alley now has upgraded trash bins with wider openings to accommodate discarded pizza boxes. Visitors on the Hayne Street side will also notice a new art deco-style blade sign welcoming them to the Morgan Alley.
“This is just the first of several phases that you’re going to enjoy, so stay tuned,” said Council Member James Kerr.