A group of about 25 business owners, residents and members of the newly formed Freeborn County Arts Initiative gave one downtown Albert Lea alley a facelift last weekend.

Picking up trash, removing graffiti and painting walls along the alley that runs from William to Main streets halfway between Broadway and Washington Avenue, the group aimed to beautify the alley, which has become a primary access for people on the block during the downtown construction.

“It really needed a facelift,” said Susanne Crane, an artist and organizer who owns the historic Bessesen Building. “We’ve been working on our building all summer, but ours is just part of a bigger picture that needed some serious attention.”

Lon Pogones, building manager of the Bessesen Building, said he was pleased with the efforts and hopes the improvements will inspire greater respect for the alley going forward.

The alley is a common thoroughfare for people walking to and from The Nasty Habit and Aragon bars, and lots of glass and graffiti were found on some of the back walls.

“Some of our neighbors put in new lights and upgraded their back doors and back steps,” Pogones said. “It’s been a group effort.”

The Freeborn County Arts Initiative formed in 2012 and is open to residents in both Albert Lea and rural cities in Freeborn County, as well as residents in neighboring counties.

Crane, who helped form the organization, said artists hoped to start something with broad public appeal that would interest almost everyone.

Crane organized an art mural project more than five years ago where children painted 18 murals to be placed in downtown buildings.