Durham's Alleys

Durham used to have more alleys. Sometimes I even see labels for alleys on Google Maps that no longer exist.

However, in places like Trinity Park, some alleys remain and they are more exciting than you might think.

Alleys can be great community gathering places. The development code allows for buildings to be quite close to the alleys, so you don't get the setback requirements that are on most streets. Perhaps most importantly, they set the table for increased densification. ADUs in Durham are allowed by right in the urban tier. If you have direct access to an ADU via an alley, it makes it much more functional.

I created a short video walking along my favorite alley in Durham.

Do you have an example of a well-utilized alley? Or an alley that could be better utilized someday? Please share in the forum!