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# From Dead End to Third Space, Downtown Alley Set for Revival
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/from-dead-end-to-third-space-downtown-alley-set-for-revival/
- Published: 2026-08-26T12:00:41.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-26T12:00:40.000Z
- Description: A once-abandoned alleyway on Main Street is getting new life as a hub for events and everyday use.
- Author: Erik Chen
- Tags: Community

In Riverside's bustling Downtown scenery, there is a section right in the middle - and it does not seem to belong. Situated near the Main Street Mall and 9th Street lies an abandoned alleyway, a stark juxtaposition to the bustling life around it. But recent plans are working to make it abandoned no longer.

In 2019, the alleyway was created following the construction of the Main + Nine apartment building. Before then, the area was a parking lot. Currently, Councilmember Philip Falcone is leading efforts to redesign the alleyway, collaborating with the University of California, Riverside (UCR), Public Works and Arcade Coffee Roasters: UCR owns the land, Arcade Coffee Roasters will be responsible for opening and locking the alleyway daily, and Public Works will maintain the space.

The planning began nine months ago, when Falcone reached out to UCR, pitching the idea to the Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) at UCR and UCR's Director of Facilities. With the green light from the partners, the project is now divided into two distinct, consecutive phases.

"Phase 1 will include a decorative arched entry gate entitled 'Main Street Alley' along with tables and chairs and large potted plants and trees," Falcone said. "Phase 2 will add more vibrancy to the space with café lighting, or suspended colorful umbrellas, or murals, or colorful banners—any of these are on the table to be potential additions."

As of right now, the biggest focus is accessibility.

"The top priority right now is to get it open and usable," Falcone said.

Once in use, the alleyway itself will only be accessible through one side, unlike its current layout.

"The alleyway will not go all the way through," Falcone said. "It will only be accessible from Main Street. And will serve as an offshoot of the Main Street Pedestrian Mall."

Considering the lack of seats at Arcade Coffee Roasters, Falcone expects the new space to provide additional room for customers.

"Getting a table at Arcade Coffee can sometimes be a challenge due to how popular this shop is," Falcone explained. "The seating in this alleyway will add at least a dozen more tables and also will make this a usable event space for UCR Arts or others."

The alleyway will serve as a "third space" - a place beyond the traditional spaces of work and home, where individuals can come to work, relax, and interact with others. Additionally, the place can be used for city events.

"This alleyway is creating a 'third space,' which is a physical community gathering spot separate from home (the first place) and work (the second place) where people can meet and connect," Falcone said. "It will add more usable/programable space for events like Arts Walk, Festival of Lights, for people who rent out UCR Arts for special events, and just everyday overflow seating."

Beyond the alleyway, the space is part of Falcone's broader mission to utilize unused space Downtown.

"It has long since been a passion project of mine to utilize this space," Falcone said. "Every inch of our downtown should be treated as valuable space that should be activated, so having this space inaccessible next to one of downtown's busiest coffee shops always annoyed me. I am passionate about urban planning so projects like this are always on my mind."

According to Falcone, the public can expect the "third space" to open before the start of the Festival of Lights.

Looking ahead, Falcone has already set his eyes on renovation for another alleyway: Whittier Place.

"There is another alleyway conversion happening with Whittier Place between White Park and the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties, funded by RCCD and led by my office and Public Works," Falcone said. "We are on the lookout for more places, too."