As of 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 12, the artist alley project had over 100 patrons donate a total of $46,785.

“The two alleys that are going to be decorated and renovated and rejuvenated will really make a huge difference when you are going from campus or to campus into the city," Council member Ruth Beier said.

Beier said she would describe the current state of the alleys as "drab."

The first alley which is planned to be revamped is located off Ann Street Plaza and is being referred to as the "Grove Street Alley" by city officials due to its close proximity to Grove Street. It is between The Fieldhouse and Spartan Spirits Liquor.

The second alley is located off Grand River Avenue between the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau and Jersey Mike’s Subs. It is being referred to as the "500 Block Alley."

Summer Minnick, a member of the East Lansing Planning Commission, said both alleys will feature significant art components with murals, decorative lighting, outdoor furniture and enhanced landscaping. 

Minnick said the alleys will be transformed into a place for residents to hang out and be a "unique asset" for the city.

Amy Schusler, a community development specialist for the city of East Lansing, said the mural planned for the 500 Block Alley will be painted collaboratively by senior citizens from East Lansing's Prime Time Senior Program and students from MacDonald Middle School. The mural has already been designed by an art teacher at the school.

The alley off of Ann Street Plaza will be done by a Michigan-based artist, although that artist has not been chosen yet, Schusler said. The city does however have a conceptual design of what they want to see which includes a representation of what people love about East Lansing.

“It will make us look less like an old, dirty town and more like a vibrant, cool place to be. It’s a small piece of that, but it’s a piece of that," Beier said.