Two alleys in Morganton, N.C., were closed to vehicles and converted into pedestrian walkways that connect parking lots to the downtown shopping district. The walls of adjacent buildings were painted to reflect new wall sconce lighting, and local artists were commissioned to add custom wall murals and sculptures. Two of the sculptures, by Morganton artist Dean Curfman, act as removable bollards.

The Mimosa Kaleidoscope project transformed two alleys and one mini park in Morganton, N.C., earning an Award of Merit for Best Outdoor Space Improvement at the North Carolina Main Street Conference in January 2012. The 10-foot wide alleys were historically open for vehicular use, but the narrow width, low visibility and the presence of pedestrians created an awkward and unappealing environment. The atmosphere was further degraded by the lack of lighting during evening hours.

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City planners and a citizen art committee crafted the remodel, led by Michael Berley, the city of Morganton's landscape architect. City staff also managed the project, which was partially installed by city crews. The catch basin, landscape island construction and Streetprint were subcontracted to a local installer, Cactx Surfaces of Winston-Salem, N.C. Curb cuts were eliminated, and landscape islands were added adjacent to the on-street parking to further deter vehicles from the alley, while connecting the walkway from the rear parking lots to the street. Plantings in the islands complement the existing shade trees in the streetscape.

The third section of the project, a mini-park, also connected parking to the shopping district's sidewalk. The park needed to be totally reworked, leading to the demolition of an existing small tree and rotting fence, which made room for a lush planting design with multiple trees and plants for year-round interest. A custom sculpture and bench, selected in a competition judged by a citizen art committee, were created for the park. The winning artist was Grace Cathey from Waynesville, N.C., who created the Mimosa Kaleidoscope to honor Morganton's history with the tree and the 30th annual Historic Morganton Festival.