With its events, festivals and twinkling lights, Buckham Alley is now a destination. Bringing a sense of security and safety for visitors, residents, and business owners, the lighting of Brush Alley will transform it into a destination place in Downtown Flint, as well.

The mission of Friends of the Alley (FOTA) is to create safe, friendly, fun usable space by pedestrianizing and beautifying the alleys. Two years ago, FOTA received funding with a Patronicty Matching Grant Campaign through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to beautify Buckham Alley. Many local businesses and generous donors combined with The Hagerman Foundation’s financial support to help make this possible. Buckham Alley is now a destination for events and festivals. It brings a sense of security and safety for visitors, residents, and business owners.

The lighting of Brush Alley is a similar project that will also make it a destination in Downtown Flint. This project will impact the community on several fronts. The landscape of downtown will continue to change for the better. In addition, the lights are permanent and will add to the grandeur of the re-development of downtown.

“When people come to our downtown from the suburbs they are always pleasantly surprised at how pretty our city looks,” said Kathleen Gazall, chair of FOTA. “If they can see Flint as more than the water crisis, then we are moving forward.”

The Hagerman Foundation strongly believes that these types of projects prompt the economic development and revitalization that Flint needs. This project will tie together businesses in the area for enhanced economic development. Thank you to Friends of The Alley, for sharing a vision for a restored Flint and continuing to help move Flint forward.