Ten years ago, Kenny Alley was an overlooked public stairway connecting Mission and London streets in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood. The stairs were worn, frequently tagged with graffiti, and often described by neighbors as a place people hurried through rather than gathered around.
That began to change in 2015 when Friends of Kenny Alley formed to reimagine the space. Spearheaded by community member Summer Koide and Excelsior Action Group EAG, the effort brought together residents, artists, neighborhood organizations, city agencies, local businesses, schools, and donors around a shared goal: transforming the alley into a safer, more welcoming public place.
Over the following years, the project grew well beyond a staircase. Volunteers organized cleanups, raised funds, planted gardens, improved lighting, installed public art, and created the now-recognizable mosaic stairway. Hundreds of people contributed in ways both large and small, leaving a lasting mark on the neighborhood.
Today, Kenny Alley stands as a reminder of what can happen when a community works together around a common vision. As the project reaches its tenth anniversary, this page will be sharing stories, photographs, and memories from the people who helped make it possible.
Were you part of the journey? We’d love to hear what you remember.