Foley marked a significant milestone on recently with the dedication of the newly extended Cat Alley and the official launch of the Arts and Entertainment District.

The Cat Alley extension now features a pedestrian-friendly walkway and a public seating area, transforming what was previously a fenced-off space between the main alley and North Alston Street into an inviting communal spot.

The day also celebrated the opening of the Foley Arts and Entertainment District. This new district encompasses several downtown blocks west of Alabama 59, allowing visitors to enjoy beverages from local restaurants and bars as they explore the area.

The alley project and Entertainment District were organized by Foley Main Street – the downtown improvement organization – and the city, along with support from businesses and other organizations.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the effort is helping Foley bring more visitors and businesses to the downtown area.

“These efforts are ways that we're going to continue to improve our downtown. It's the heart and soul of our city,” Hellmich said. “If you lose that, you lose your city. We are not going to do that. We're going to continue to improve.”

Hellmich said Foley is also working to add more lighting to the downtown area. The city, Main Street and local businesses are working on a project to place strings of LED lighting on the exterior of downtown buildings. 

Darrlyn Dunmore, Foley Main Street executive director, said many agencies helped make the Cat Alley project a success.

“This is a really big step for us,” Dunmore said. “We've had a lot of partners in this. We've had Riviera Utilities, the city of Foley, the city Beautification Committee, the Historic Commission and the Foley Main Street design committee. It's taken a team effort.”

She said the Baldwin County Board of Realtors also supported the project and Main Street efforts. At the dedication, the board presented Main Street with a check for $7,500 to continue to promote downtown improvements. Main Street Alabama also awarded a $25,000 grant toward the project.

Dunmore said Brightspeed, which operates the local telephone company, contributed the property on which the new alley extension was built.

“Brightspeed allowed us to take half of their parking lot and change it into this beautiful walkway,” she said. “This is just a start.”

She said visitors to the new Entertainment District can also sit at the tables or walk along the alley while having a drink from one of the participating businesses in the district.

District visitors can take drinks in approved containers from restaurants and bars within the boundaries. Cups must be non-glass containers that are provided by the business and must have the Arts and Entertainment District logo to qualify for the program. Drinks taken from one business cannot be carried into another business or out of the district.

District hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

The walkway dedication and Arts and Entertainment District opening were both part of Main Street’s Third Thursday event held each month.