The alleyway is now completely brick to match the sidewalks on campus and to signal to vehicles that it’s a pedestrian corridor, Coleman said. It also features several black posts on both ends to restrict vehicles from driving through the area.

Kevin Smith, a Durham resident and UNC employee, often uses the walkway when he gets off work.

“Before you were dodging cars walking through here so it’s nicer,” Smith said. “It feels more like a pedestrian walk way.”

Similar to Smith, Durham resident Tess Filipowicz also uses the new pathway after work.

“I moved here in October so for me it’s just nice not to have construction and to actually use this path,” Filipowicz said.

New lights have been added in the alley, as well as light posts along the sidewalks coming from the direction of Hanes Art Center.

Savannah Samuel, a UNC senior, walked through the redesigned alley Wednesday. She remembered using the path before the renovation project.

“You didn’t walk through here by yourself without other people at night,” Samuel said. “I dig it now; it gives more of a downtown feel.”

The renovation project also included redesigning the Alumni Sculpture Garden, which is located to the north of Hanes Art Center. The area now includes a nicer green space with added trees and plants.

Some fencing still remains in the area near Hanes Art Center, where a sidewalk and landscaping are being completed.

“This is truly a gateway into town and into campus,” Coleman said. “We’re excited the project is almost done and we’re grateful for the support from the town.”

@laura_brummett

city@dailytarheel.com