Party in the Passageways puts reimagined alleys in the forefront

These artist renderings — dubbed Grass Garden, Neural Alleyway, Stargaze and Urban Chandelier — offer a glimpse of the coming transformations in the Passageways projects. Not pictured is Stage Genies, a sound project. The winning designs will be unveiled at Party in the Passageways on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

These artist renderings — dubbed Grass Garden, Neural Alleyway, Stargaze and Urban Chandelier — offer a glimpse of the coming transformations in the Passageways projects. Not pictured is Stage Genies, a sound project. The winning designs will be unveiled at Party in the Passageways on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

New art and technology installations will put four downtown alleys front and center next week when these transformed corridors are unveiled at Party in the Passageways.

A joint project of River City Co. and AIA Tennessee, Passageways started with an international call to architects, artists and designers to reimagine urban alleyways. Five installations for four alleyways were selected. The winning teams are from Chattanooga, New York and Australia.

Area residents can get their first look at the transformations Wednesday evening, Aug. 24. Starting at 5:30 p.m., visitors may check in at Miller Plaza to receive a map of the exhibit locations, all within walking distance.

Designers of the installations will be on-site to explain their creative concepts, and activities will be held in each alleyway to showcase how these urban spaces can be animated in the future through art, culture and community engagement.

Activities include a community yarn bombing project hosted by the Chattanooga Public Library, buskers from SoundCorps performing live music, a performance by Chattanooga Ballet dancers and opportunities to ride art bikes from Art 120.

Attendees also can catch a show from Chattanooga bluegrass icons Randy Steele and Friends in the last alley on Broad Street from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Local beer from Odd Story Brewing Co., Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. and Chattanooga Brewing Co. will be featured in the alleyways along with light hors d'oeuvres from The Bitter Alibi.

Each installation will be in place for six to 12 months, and community events will be held throughout the run.

These artist renderings — dubbed Grass Garden, Neural Alleyway, Stargaze and Urban Chandelier — offer a glimpse of the coming transformations in the Passageways projects. Not pictured is Stage Genies, a sound project. The winning designs will be unveiled at Party in the Passageways on Wednesday, Aug. 24.