Lulu Lane — Where History Meets Colour & Community
Once a forgotten alley south of Jasper Avenue, Lulu Lane is now a vivid urban corridor that honours civil-rights pioneer Lulu Anderson, celebrates Black history in Edmonton, and brings downtown to life through bold murals and public art. In collaboration with HCMA Architecture firm & Edmonton DT Business Association.
About The Project.
Lulu Lane runs between 103 Street and 104 Street, just south of Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton. This alley-to-art transformation reimagines a once-overlooked city space as a vibrant, inclusive pedestrian corridor — designed to uplift history, community memory, and everyday urban experience.
The project was co-created by local artists including Jamelle Davis (JD Art) and Macha Abdallah, under the guidance of design lead firm HCMA Architecture + Design, in collaboration with the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA). Decorative lighting, mural art, and community-oriented design bring life to the space — transforming it from a back-alley into a downtown destination.
Honouring Lulu Anderson: A Legacy Worth Remembering
In 1922, Lulu Anderson stood up against racial segregation when she was denied entry to the Metropolitan Theatre in Edmonton simply because of the colour of her skin. Though she lost her court case, her courage was a powerful stand for equality — decades before better-known civil-rights actions in Canada and beyond.
Because there are no known photographs of her, the entrance at 103 Street features an imagined portrait of Lulu — created to honour her spirit, bravery, and legacy. Through colour, texture, and form, the mural captures her essence without a literal likeness — ensuring her story stays visible, powerful, and alive in the city’s memory.
Lulu Lane doesn’t just paint walls — it retells history, honours struggle, and invites community into remembrance.
Award of Excellence — Edmonton Urban Design Awards (2025).
We’re proud to announce that Lulu Lane was awarded the Edmonton Urban Design Award of Excellence, a top honour that recognizes outstanding urban design, community impact, and cultural significance. This award celebrates spaces that not only beautify the city but transform how people live, walk, and connect in public.
With this recognition, Lulu Lane stands as a testament to what public art can do: revive neglected spaces, honour forgotten history, and create a sense of pride and belonging in the community.
Why This Matters for Clients, Partners & Community
Civic-recognized Excellence: This isn’t just street art — it’s an award-winning urban design project that met strict standards of design, heritage, and public use.
Cultural & Historical Integrity: Lulu Lane gives visibility to Black history in Edmonton through meaningful storytelling — ideal for partners, municipal clients, or institutions seeking socially conscious art.
Community Activation & Urban Renewal: The project transformed underused downtown real estate into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly corridor — a model for future public art and community-driven space re-imagining.
Proven Collaboration: Worked with major institutions (HCMA + EDBA + City stakeholders), showing capacity to handle large-scale public commissions, heritage-sensitive design, and inclusive urban projects.
Partner with JD Art for mural commissions, public-space design, or community-driven art projects. Let’s build something meaningful together.