San Bernardino opens downtown attraction

San Bernardino officials hope an upgraded alley will become a downtown gathering spot.

Sole Alley, formerly known as 4th Street Alley, opened earlier this month with a three-hour gala attended by Mayor Helen Tran and members of the city’s arts council, according to a statement.

The alley between D and E streets, in the heart of San Bernardino’s arts district is the result of partnership between the San Bernardino Public Works Department and the Arts Connection/Arts Council of San Bernardino County.

The city plans to hold arts, music, cultural, and educational events at the site, which underwent a $722,000 upgrade paid for from the Clean California Local Grant Program.

Unused for many years, the alley features an arched neon sign across its entrance, wall murals painted by local artists, new lighting, a stage, landscaping, bike racks, and decorative pavers, according to the statement.