RAPID CITY - A proposal to resurface "Art Alley" downtown with a new type of decorative paving process received approval Tuesday from the city's public works committee, which also gave preliminary approval to provide some city funds for the project.

So far, supporters have raised $15,000 of the $21,000 needed to surface the alley between Sixth and Seventh streets using stamped and colored asphalt. The alley is commonly known as Art Alley because of murals and random bits of artistic expression painted on the sides of buildings.

The stamping process involves imprinting a grid pattern into fresh asphalt and adding color. The end product looks remarkably like decorative brick paving.

Walter Albasi, who operates the Corn Exchange restaurant with MJ Adams, said supporters have been working with the Rapid City Downtown Association, the businesses that border the alley, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce.

"We've developed a tremendous amount of public support for doing something positive downtown that is reasonably priced," he said. "This is something reasonable to begin to bring the pedestrian experience up downtown and to create an environment with the art in the alley that can continue to flourish."

Albasi said downtown businesses are eager for anything that can enhance downtown. Albasi and Todd Rigione, who started Art Alley as a way to replace random graffiti with something more positive, came up with the decorative paving idea after the city sent notices about an upcoming paving project.

Both men believe the decorative paving could improve the ambiance of Art Alley and make it a downtown destination, or at least create a pedestrian zone to tie Sixth and Seventh streets together.

Alderman Ron Kroeger said he supports the project.

"I want to commend you guys. I know you worked very hard to raise funds in a short period of time," he said.

The public works committee agreed to provide a $6,000 match for the project, subject to final approval by the full city council Monday night.

Steve Rolinger, president of the downtown association, said that Boise, Idaho, is doing something similar in its downtown, where a company bought a street from the city, essentially, and created a brick centerpiece that is used for various community events.

Rolinger said a master plan for downtown is being discussed, and part of it could include expanding the Art Alley paving to create a similar space for downtown events.

"We could do street dances, farmers market, something that really gets people coming downtown," he said. "Everybody just thinks it's an incredible idea to bring something downtown that could be a focal point. We want to show we're serious about getting something done downtown."

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com