Our Story
Once upon a time, in the heart of downtown Kingston, there existed a dark and dirty alley known as Martello Alley. It was a place that most people avoided, a narrow passage that seemed to exist in perpetual shadow, ignored by people who passed by. The alley walls were painted deep brown, and the space was littered with discarded trash.
David Dossett often walked past it on his way to work, casting a sorrowful glance at the neglected passage. He often said to himself, "Why doesn't somebody do something about this?" He harbored a vision of transforming the forlorn alley into a thriving, vibrant space for the community. Finally he decided that, since no one else would step forward, he must be the one to do something. So he embarked on a mission to breathe life into Martello Alley.
His first task was to remove the accumulated trash and debris. He spent one month on his hands and knees painting the asphalt floor with a sponge and a special driveway stain.
Over the course of four months, Martello Alley slowly began to transform. David repainted the faded walls with bright, cheerful colors. The north wall of the courtyard was transformed into "Strasbourg." He created the illusion of a French street by installing panels that resembled doors and windows. These installations made it possible to quickly and elegantly display artwork in the alley during the day, and conceal it at night. He hung strings of fairy lights, transforming the once-dim passage into a magical corridor that glowed with warmth and life. People passing by could scarcely believe their eyes.
The restaurant ajacent to the north wall of the courtyard used that space for their garbage, recycling and kitchen oil. David designed a lighthouse to store the garbage and recycling, and a channel marker to store the grease.
David Dossett had single-handedly turned Martello Alley from a dark, dirty passage into a thriving urban oasis. It had taken him four months of tireless effort, but the results were nothing short of astonishing. The alley had become a symbol of what a derelict space could become when art and creativity is applied.
As the seasons changed and the years rolled on, Martello Alley continued to evolve. It became a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike, a place where people could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and bask in the beauty of urban nature and art. Martello Alley is a testament to the transformative power of one person's vision and determination to make a positive change in their community.
To see the photos of the four-month transformation of Martello Alley, visit this link:
