Arch Alley

The Story of Arch Alley

Arch Alley is located in the north alley of the downtown square.  The Tower View Team was instrumental in making the idea of Arch Alley after the 2017 Downtown Revitalization efforts of the facades.  The many arches over the windows and in the facades themselves became more evident.  In a nod to this unique structure, the new alley project has 3 arches created by the community. The arch closest to the street has aluminum castings on the sides featuring drawings from a workshop that artist and Jefferson alumni David Williamson did with members of TVT.  That arch highlights the arches found on the Royal Jewelers building. The second arch features the county’s youth, with workshops that Williamson had with students from the Paton-Churdan kindergarten through 6th grade classes and the Greene County School’s 4th grade art classes. Those show their pathways to school and what they wear to school. The second main arch is a new design from adult community workshops, which displays how the community will be seen in the future. The third arch features Greene County manufacturing businesses with round aluminum castings.

Williamson has facilitated community art projects throughout his life and was asked to take the lead in this project.  He worked with the Tower View Team to discuss their ideas for the arches in the alley.  The Tower View Team also experienced Williamson’s portable foundry where images were cast to be placed on an arch.

A Party in Arch Alley was held on June 1, 2018 with over 100 people attending to visit with David Williamson about the project.  We welcomed questions and participation in this endeavor for another beautiful alley space in downtown Jefferson.  Funds have been donated for this project by Home State Bank, Jefferson Matters: Main Street & Chamber Community, Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation, and by fundraising efforts.  The Class of 1968 donated a metal bench for the Arch Alley. If you still want to be a part of the Arch, there are commemorative buttons available for a donation at the Welcome Center at 201 E Lincoln Way. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 4, 2021.

For updated pictures on the progress – see this photo gallery:  Image Gallery

A poem was created to describe how TVT wanted the alley to be for the community. The poem was put on a bronze plaque donated by the Class of 1967 and the Greene County Community Foundation.