HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/19/2008 - RESOLUTION 2008- 071 APPROVING THE FINAL DRAFT REP ITEM NUMBER: 25
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: August 19, 2008
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Kathleen Bracke
Matt Robenalt
SUBJECT
Resolution 2008- 071 Approving the Final Draft Report for the Downtown River District Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
The City's Transportation Board, Planning and Zoning Board and the Downtown Development
Authority(DDA)Board of Directors approved the Downtown River District Final Draft Report and
recommend approval by the City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the Final Draft Report for Downtown River District design project does not create a
financial impact for the City or the DDA. The Report includes various funding options and
strategies for funding the future implementation of the various recommended improvements in the
Downtown River District.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City of Fort Collins, along with the
consulting team of HDR Engineering and BHA Design,jointly developed the Downtown River
District design project to address existing deficiencies and the lack of sufficient public infrastructure
to support infill development and redevelopment in the Downtown River District area. The
Downtown River District design project and report was co-sponsored and managed by the City and
the DDA.
BACKGROUND
The Downtown River District design project includes the development of conceptual level
engineering plans for needed transportation and utility improvements for the area, including
Jefferson, Willow, Lincoln, and Linden streets. These infrastructure improvements are needed to
support existing conditions as well as provide a framework for future development within this
important area of Downtown Fort Collins.
August 19, 2008 -2- Item No. 25
The improvements made to the River District are designed to be respectful of the River and its
surrounding natural environment. All project elements support and follow the suggestions of the
Poudre River Enhancement Project. In addition, the River District project team received creative
suggestions from the community and the Landmark Preservation Commission on ways to
incorporate historic information and interpretive educational opportunities throughout the proposed
streetscape improvements. The River District improvements are an exceptional opportunity to
showcase Fort Collins' rich cultural heritage and celebrate the beauty of the natural environment.
The transportation and utility improvements that come about through this project will help this area
achieve the visions and goals set forth by City Plan and the Downtown River Corridor
Implementation Program, as well as the recommendations from the "UniverCity Connections"
partnership among the City, DDA, Colorado State University, and the Community Foundation.
The designs for the proposed River District address interim and ultimate improvements for all
modes of transportation and for utilities, including cost estimates for basic improvements as well
as enhanced features, and a prioritized phasing process. In addition,the project identified potential
funding and implementation strategies for the recommended streetscape improvements, parking
strategies, and transit service enhancements.
The project team has also identified a list of action items recommended to support the ongoing
momentum and community excitement for the Downtown River District improvements:
• Actively pursuing future grant funding opportunities from a wide-variety of potential sources
to build the recommended improvements;
• Exploring short-term and long-range parking strategies;
• Conducting an inventory and assessment of available land within the City limits and/or
Growth Management Area boundary for industrial businesses wishing to relocate out of the
River District; and
• Supporting the implementation of the UniverCity Connections recommendations for the
River District,particularly the wayfinding/information system improvements and newtransit
loop to link the project area to/from Downtown and the surrounding areas.
This project included an extensive public involvement process, including potentially affected
interests such as the property and business owners within the project area, multiple City
departments,the City's Transportation Board,Planning and Zoning Board,Landmark Preservation
Commission, Land Conservation and Stewardship Board, the City Council, the Downtown
Development Authority, the Downtown Business Association, the Colorado Department of
Transportation,the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce,and various community organizations such
as Rotary and the Board of Realtors. In addition, the City's "Studio 14" cable television program
highlighted the Downtown River District project to help share the key points with the community.
The City's Public Information Office staff developed the Downtown River District brochure, and
the webpage is continually updated to reflect the latest news about the project.
The enclosed final (draft) report for the Downtown River District design project summarizes the
project and community involvement process.It also provides conceptual design plans for each street
August 19, 2008 -3- Item No. 25
within the project area,recommendations for prioritizing improvements(short-term&long-range),
and suggests funding strategies and other action items for ongoing implementation of the Downtown
River District improvements.
The City and DDA have been actively working on securing funding to start the improvements for
the Downtown River District. In particular, the City has received approval from the Colorado
Department of Transportation and the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization for
$250,000 in Enhancement funding to start initial improvements to Linden Street as well as $1.25
million in Congestion Mitigation&Air Quality funds for the Jefferson Street improvements. Also
the Downtown Development Authority has approved$1.5 million for the Downtown River District,
specifying $500,000 each for the Linden Street improvements as well as the intersection of
Linden/Willow and for the Jefferson Street improvements. This combined funding of$3 million
is a great start to advance implementation of the Downtown River District recommendations.
It is important to keep in mind that the timing of the actual construction of the recommended
improvements will be determined based upon available funding sources and development activity
within the project area. However,it is necessary for the City and the DDA to work proactively over
the next few years to encourage and support the exciting transformation of the Downtown River
District.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Downtown River District project brochure.
2. Downtown River District Project Report—Final Draft.
3. Transportation Board memo.
4. DDA Board meeting minutes.
5. Summary of prior City Council work sessions (October 2006 and June 2007).
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WELCOME TO THE RIVER DISTRICT
It's a place unlike any other. Here, the river, industry, art and history _ �� ,�� . 1• �� 6
come together to create a new community in Fort Collins. Art
galleries, music venues and theaters compliment recreation on the -
river and preserved natural areas. Long-time industrial businesses
work in partnership with new entrepreneurs . Modern housing, a�
restaurants, shops and office buildings reflect the District's historic
past and celebrate its future. The River District is not your The River District includes the area just northeast of Old and crosswalks, parking, and improved intersections.
Town Square including Jefferson, Linden, and Willow Enhanced aesthetics and amenities in public areas
run-of-the-mill downtown neighborhood. Actually, come to think of Streets and Lincoln Avenue. The project is a partnership such as an interpretive mill race water feature, brick
between the City of Fort Collins and the Downtown streets, roundabouts, and art elements give people
it, that's what makes it the perfect fit for Fort Collins.
Development Authority designed to create a new sense of reason to linger, amble, and fully experience the
place by making the area welcoming, visually pleasing, District. Private investment will help complete the
and ready for infill development. transition bringing restaurants with outdoor cafe
Transformation of the River District will start with the seating, galleries, uniquely Fort Collins retail stores,
necessities, such as utility improvements, sidewalks coffee shops, and more.
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE FORT COLLINS MUSEUM.
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0 RIVER PRESERVATION . The improvements made to the River District area are
Z completely respectful of the river and its surrounding natural environment. All project
OLD TOWN e
elements support and follow the suggestions of the Poudre River Enhancement Project .
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FUNDING . The River District Design Project is jointly funded by the City and the
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) .
TRUCK MOBILITY. The improvements made to the River District will allow trucks
and other large vechicles to drive through the area and access local commerical
4- y and industrial buildings .
`r COMMUNITY PROJECTS . The River District project is just one of many large- scale
projects taking place in Downtown and beyond . The River District works in
ir
r partnership with Beet Street , UniverCity Connections , and the Mason Corridor to
leverage ideas and resources .
TRULY UNIQUE . The River District is the only area in town that connects Old Town ,
the Poudre River, agri-industrial architecture, and the rich history of Fort Collins .
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DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
FINAL DRAFT REPORT
/ PREPARED FOR:
CITY OF FORT COLLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
* TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AUTHORITY
250 NORTH MASON STREET 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 ' N d d a
FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524
`City of Fort Collins
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PREPARED BY:
PRO""
HDR ENGINEERING BHA DESIGN
19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITI
� 1603 OAKRIDGE DRIVE ' -
- FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 FORT COLLINS, CO 80525 �
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AUGUST 1 , 2008 r �
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Fatal Flaw Analysis..................................................................................................................................................... 14
WELCOME TO THE RIVER DISTRICT .................................................................................................................................... 2
Preliminary Evaluation............................................................................................................................................... 15
DetailedEvaluation..................................................................................................................................................... 15
HISTORY OF PROJECT AREA............................................................................................................................................ 4 Public Presentation of Alternatives .......................................................................................................................... 15
REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL - CHALLENGES, ATTRIBUTES AND OPPORTUNITIES ........................... 5 SELECTION OF PREFERRED DESIGN ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................... 15
JeffersonStreet.............................................................................................................................................................. 15
THECHALLENGES........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Willow Street................................................................................................................................................................ 16
PhysicalChallenges ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Linden Street ................................................................................................................................................................. 16
PedestrianAccessibility ....................................................................................................................................................................5 Lincoln Avenue ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
RoadwayCapacity.............................................................................................................................................................................5 Intersections.................................................................................................................................................................. 17
PoliticalChallenges ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Utilities.......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
TransportationPolicy .......................................................................................................................................................................6 Stormwater Improvements ......................................................................................................................................... 17
EnvironmentalChallenges ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Water and Sewer Improvements ................................................................................................................................ 18
Udall and Gustav Swanson Natural Areas ......................................................................................................................................6 STAKEHOLDER ACCEPTANCE ............................................................................................................................................ 18
EconomicChallenges...................................................................................................................................................... 6
PRELIIVIINARY DESIGN PHASE ................................................................................................................................. 18
Businessand Customer Opinions .....................................................................................................................................................6
Fragmentation of Central Core .........................................................................................................................................................6
Modem Roundabouts .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Accommodating Industrial and Manufacturing Type Uses .............................................................................................................7 Phasing ofimprovements............................................................................................................................................ 18
THE ATTRIBUTES AND OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................................................................... 7 Other Street Design Issues .......................................................................................................................................... 19
ANew Third Place in Downtown Fort Collins.......................................................................................................... 7 Words of Caution ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Prioritization Plan: Real Life Happens ........................................................................................................................................... 19
PROJECTPROCESS............................................................................................................................................................... 9 Preliminary Design Package........................................................................................................................................................... 19
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................... 9 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY .................................................................................................................................... 20
Existing Conditions Assessment .................................................................................................................................. 9
SiteAssessment.................................................................................................................................................................................9 PRIORITIZED LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................................................... 20
Streetscape .................................................................................................................................................................................9 Prioritization................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Mobility ............................................................................................................................. 10 Phase 1 —Linden Street...................................................................................................................................................................21
HistoricBuildings ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Phase 4 —Pine Street.......................................................................................................................................................................23
TrafficStudy ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Phase 5 —Jefferson Street ................................................................................................................................................................23
SafetyAnalysis ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Phase 6 — Willow Street, east of Linden Street................................................................................................................................24
TrafficOperations Analysis................................................................................................................................................... 11 Phase 7 —Lincoln Avenue ...............................................................................................................................................................24
ParkingSupply Needs............................................................................................................................................................ 12 Phase 8 — Pombe Street...................................................................................................................................................................24
PublicSeeping Meeting 14 PROJECT COSTS ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTPROJECT
J VA N _
Introduction
River Preservation
WELCOME TO THE RIVER DISTRICT The improvements recommended for the River District area
It's a place unlike any other. Here, the river, industry, art have been designed to respect the Poudre River and its
and history come together to create a new community in surrounding natural environment. All project elements
Fort Collins. Art galleries music venues and theaters support and follow the suggestions of the Poudre River
�y]complement recreation on the river and preserved natural Enhancement Project. What's more, many improvement
areas. Long-time industrial businesses work in partnership recommendations from this project celebrate the Poudre and
with new entrepreneurs. Modern housing, restaurants, the richness that it once provided, and still provides today,
shops and office buildings reflect the District's historic past to the shaping of our community.,��
and celebrate its future. The River District is not your run-of- Mobility
the-mill downtown neighborhood. Actually, come to think The improvements recommended for the River District will
of it, that's what makes it the perfect fit for Fort Collins. provide inviting and attractive streetscapes designed to
Truly Unique serve all types of transportation - pedestrians, bicyclists,
The River District is the only area in town that connects Old drivers and transit riders. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at
Town, the Poudre River, agri-industrial architecture and the the forefront of the project elements, providing ample
rich history of historic downtown Fort Collins. What other Then connectivity and a greater sense of comfort for these users
t than in a typical urban setting. This experience for the
place in Fort Collins, and northern Colorado for that matter, � « - pedestrian and bicyclist will not come at the expense of
offers such a unique tapestry of convergent development
vehicular traffic, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes being
opportunities? The vision for the River District seeks to meld
accommodated, including the large trucks and recreational
the architectural character of yesteryear with the personality vehicles that drive through the area and access to local
of today's arts and culture community. commercial and industrial buildings and other destinations.
rt
Community Projects
- + ' Funding
The River District project is just one of many large-scale The River District Design Project is jointly funded by the
projects taking place in downtown and beyond. The River
District works in partnership with Beet Street, UniverCity City and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
Connections and the Mason Corridor to leverage ideas and
resources that seek to further the vision for the River
District. This vision provides a common thread for how
these diverse projects can work together to open the River
District to the residents of and visitors to our great city.
DOVVNTOWN RIVER 1ISTRICT STI;tEETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INTROD
IN
■ - - _ M- M
Project Goals including the Downtown Business Association, individual area and to enhance property values as well as the
The City of Fort Collins and the Downtown Development business/ property owners, citizens from throughout the attractiveness of the downtown district.
Authority have a long standing partnership of collaboration community, and various City Boards, Commissions and City The River District improvements are designed to enhance
to create enduring enhancements for our community's Council. the linkages with the surrounding neighborhoods,
vibrant Downtown urban center. Through the combined efforts of these stakeholders, the Downtown/ Old Town, North College corridor and to
Over the years, the City, DDA and a wide variety of Downtown River District project is recommending an celebrate the unique history of the River District as the
community partners have produced many exciting ventures exciting list of comprehensive improvements for the area to birthplace of Fort Collins. These new amenities will enrich
ranging from renovating Old Town Square and Linden address short-term and long-range needs to fix existing our opportunities to blend our historic roots with the
Street to creating "Beet Street", a new program to promote deficiencies and set the stage for the future in-fill and evolving new visions coming forward from UniverCity
and market the cultural arts landscape of downtown Fort redevelopment. Connections and the other exciting developments in the
Collins. The goal of the project is to create a new sense of place by Downtown area; thus, continuing to build on the strong
making the area welcoming, visually pleasing and ready foundation of community partnerships — serving our
The Downtown River District project continues this exciting community well today and into the future.
tradition of community partnerships. This project is jointly for infill development. The recommended improvements
managed by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for the River District are designed to address streetscape The deliverables of the River District design project include
and the City of Fort Collins. The core project team includes enhancements, traffic circulation, parking, bicycle, this report, which documents the project goals, processes
representatives from the DDA; the ty's Planning, pedestrian and transit improvements, as well as utility and findings, preliminary-level design of the recommended
Development, & Transportation department as well infrastructure upgrades. Enhanced pedestrian mobility will improvements, and cost estimates for each element of the
Utilities; and the Colorado Department of Transportation. be achieved through the implementation of a more attractive project and for the project as a whole. The recommended
The Project team has actively involved a wide variety of streetscape and reduced exposure to vehicular traffic. improvements for each street within the project area are
local stakeholders in the project development process, Recommended street sections will integrate traffic calming illustrated in later chapters of this report.
features with an equal approach to accommodating
anticipated traffic volumes and promoting safe travel
through the River District. Finally, this report will
• demonstrate that the recommended improvements were t t
c � •� , ,"(,., , t : 1 $ . developed through a proactive stakeholder involvement
approach that sought to meld the divergent interests of each
'_! stakeholder into one common goal: to create a new sense of
1 _ _ 1. r z" place that is ripe for development. Through the realization of
these recommended improvements, the River District will
offer our community a more enjoyable, attractive and t s p •� t r � �
inviting destination, which is paramount to the celebration
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of our city's rich history. Enhancement of these amenities isl
y •An ' ' !� envisioned to generate interest by land and business owners •j �+, _ ' /�� ` �, � - .�
,� rr -�,_•� t,• -" " � in the area to become a part of the long term vision of the
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DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STIMETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTINTRODUCTION
City of Fort Collins — 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.224.6140
Downtown Development Authority — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square - 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524Tel 1
01
History of Project Area buildings and to the construction of new ones, such as the first phase of the Program. The second phase will consist of
freight depot and passenger depot. One significant implementation of the new projects contained in this report. '
topographical change included the channelization of the The Program generated a report that documented a list of 1st
The River District includes the area just northeast of Old river between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue. This Priority, 2nd Priority and 3rd Priority projects that should be
Town Square including Jefferson, Linden, and Willow resulted in the relocation of the river from the site now initiated in the River Corridor. Included in the list of 1st
Streets and Lincoln Avenue. This area is emerging as the known as the "Oxbow" to the south in its present location.
Priority projects were "Linden, Willow and Lincoln
next new opportunity to foster the on-going success of The river has scoured the channel in this section down to Streetscape Improvements," "Jefferson/ Linden Intersection
downtown Fort Collins. bedrock.'
Improvements," and "Jefferson/ Riverside Streetscape
Jefferson Street is also State Highway 14, serving to bring The portion of the River District between Jefferson Street Improvements." This Downtown River District project
thousands of people daily to the heart of the city. Linden and Willow Street is part of the Old Fort Collins National report has been developed to address these three 1st Priority
Street is the primary connection linking the River District Historic District. The entire Corridor is part of a "national projects, as well as the "Linden/ Willow Urban Design
to/ from Old Town Square to the south and northward to the river corridor," which Congress designated in 1996 for the Features" project that is listed as a 2nd Priority project.
surrounding neighborhoods and employment areas. Linden Cache La Poudre River to recognize its critical historical
Street also provides one of the main connections over the value in the westward expansion of the U.S. 1
Poudre River and is one of the most convenient access points
p Despite community aspirations over many years to restore ° -
to/ from the Poudre River Trail. Willow Street is a locally a aq� Y �� 4 •e and revitalize the environs along the Cache La Poudre River 5 -4. 8 *
well-known route to connect from College Avenue/ US287 near downtown Fort Collins few improvements have come
�
through the River District to Lincoln. s ! . �k \
to fruition. There has historically been little coordination : tb � go
The River District is a piece of what City Plan refers to as the between isolated projects. The 1997- 1999 Council Policy \4`tA ': al, ►
Poudre River Corridor. The River District is described as a Agenda identified the need for a more coordinated approach 4�P
}ep..�J PC • � •.
sub-district of downtown and as the "Historic and Cultural towards action in the Downtown River Corridor. The
Core Segment of the Poudre River Corridor. The core of the completion of City Plan in 1997 also provided further
River District near Linden and Willow Streets is significant impetus for a process and mechanism to improve the =
in its role in the settlement of the city of Fort Collins. The relationship of the city to the river in this area. '
"Fort Collins" military post was established in 1864 and In January 1998, a committee made up of staff from a variety
consisted of a parade ground officer's quarters & barracks, of City departments began work on the Downtown River
storehouses and other buildings. These structures were �,--.5-- •••"
Corridor Implementation Program. The Program's mission
gradually removed one by one until 1942 when the last was to coordinate city projects in the Corridor and to Portion of bird's eye view of Fort Collins, drawn by Pierre
support building for the Fort was demolished. Cultural use Dastarac in 1s84 (view looking south), showing course of
identify, filter and prioritize future projects recommended in
and topographical changes occurred after the Army various planning documents done over the years. The intent millrace through the Old Fort Site (Source: Swanson 1993).
relinquished ownership in 1872. Uses that followed the
of the Program was to build on existing documents and
military post have been (and in some cases, still are) studies rather than add a new vision for the Corridor. This
residential, flour milling, retailing, farming and ranching, report contains information and recommendations from the
lodging, animal feed production and the city dump. The
completion of the railroad in 1910 significantly changed the
character of the area by leading to the demolition of some Downtown liver corridor implementation Program; Adopted July 18, 2000, City of Fort
Collins' Advance Planning Department
DOWNTOWN RIIVER DISTRIICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNT
City of Fort Collins — 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.224.6140
Downtown Development Authority — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square - 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524Tel 1
Redevelopment Potential - Other costs can be time-related in nature as in the example while walking along Jefferson due to the speed and size of
Challenges, Attributes and Opportunities of spending an amount of time to find an amenable solution trucks and other vehicles in the adjacent travel lanes; the
to satisfy varying stakeholder viewpoints on a particular removal of on-street parking along Jefferson has located
Private stakeholders, the City and DDA are uniquely issue, or the passing of time that allows the real estate passing traffic adjacent to the sidewalk. Business owners
positioned today to tap the existing array of positive market and investment climate to catch up with the have noted a significant decrease in pedestrian traffic
attributes in the River District and seize upon the community's long-term expectations for the redevelopment resulting from these conditions which, in turn, has led to a
opportunities to overcome redevelopment challenges. This area. This section attempts to objectively restate and significant impediment to efficient operation of their
chapter frames the challenges, attributes and opportunities summarize the redevelopment challenges. businesses. This lack of pedestrian comfort is also
in a community revitalization and redevelopment context. experienced at the pedestrian crossing at the Linden and
Challenges to infill and redevelopment in the River District Jefferson Street intersection.
have been identified over the course of many years through Physical Challenges
Integration of design amenities that make pedestrians safer
several organized planning projects that engaged civic and Pedestrian Accessibility and eliminate the psychological barriers while crossing a
community stakeholders. The challenges are most easily Pedestrian accessibility in the River District is impeded on busy road must be compatible with the current and future
presented in four categories: physical, political, several levels. There is an incomplete sidewalk system traffic capacity needs on Jefferson Street.
environmental and economic. The challenges of infill and through much of the district north of Jefferson Street. As a
redevelopment in the River District are fairly well g Roadway Capacity
understood among stakeholders and often issues result, pedestrian traffic is forced to use the shoulder along
g ,
each street to walk through the District. Jefferson Street There have not been any major challenges identified in
surrounding these challenges overlap categories. presents its own unique set of accessibility issues. Sidewalk maintaining adequate capacity now or in the future on
Attributes and opportunities for redeveloping the River users of this major thoroughfare report an unsafe feeling segments of Willow Street, Lincoln Avenue, Linden Street or
District are discussed later in this section, explaining the Pine Street. However, there is a challenge to maintaining
concept of creating a new "Third Place" in downtown Fort traffic capacity on Jefferson Street (SH14) and accomplishing
Collins. the design enhancement goals of this project to make
pedestrian accessibility better, and regain on-street parking
spaces for adjacent businesses. It is of great importance to
THE CHALLENGES CDOT that no degradation to the future capacity of the
system occurs on this regionally important state highway.
A clear understanding of the challenges that could impede Existing Structures on Jefferson Street
the community from achieving its redevelopment goals is Physical constraint created by existing buildings with a zero-
necessary for success. Challenges needn't be characterized as foot setback from the right-of way, some of which have
positive or negative but rather as the "reality" that must be historic characteristics, make it politically and economically
nuanced and refined to achieve desired goals. difficult to consider design options to widen Jefferson Street.
The cost of overcoming redevelopment challenges can be The recommended design alternatives for Jefferson Street,
monetary in nature as in the example of aligning funds to and other road segments in the River District, attempt to
eliminate a physical infrastructure impediment. avoid disturbing existing structures, including those with
_ historic characteristics.
DOVVNTOWN RlIVER 1 IMPROVEMENT 1 I
Truck Mobility & Geometric Design Political Challenges occurring in the River District will need to be respectful of
Many of the existing businesses in the River District Transportation Policy the goals set by the community for these natural areas, to
generating local truck traffic will continue to operate for the maintain the ecological features and river-oriented character
There is a distinct difference in the policies of the City of Fort of these natural areas at an acceptable level, to provide
foreseeable future, and the geometric design of proposed Collins and CDOT regarding priorities for multi-modal
improvements must accommodate continued truck mobility g g p recreational opportunities, and preserve these open lands for
transportation. The City of Fort Collins has embraced the public. The proposed improvements and elements
to serve local commerce needs. The state highway through its Multimodal Transportation Level of Service presented in this document are respectful of the river and its
designation of Jefferson Street (SH14) is unaffected by this Criteria (1997) that the level of service for pedestrian surrounding natural environment and follow the
project, so new infrastructure and enhancements resulting mobility in downtown should be weighted equally to that of suggestions of the Poudre River Enhancement Project.
from this project must incorporate the necessary geometric automobile level of service. CDOT does not set a level of
design features to accommodate truck mobility. service standard for pedestrian mobility and is responsible An area along Willow Street at about the Schrader Oil
Parking for providing adequate vehicular capacity to move goods Company site and the Northside Aztlan Center extending to
and services throughout the state as efficiently as possible. the River was a historic landfill. Part of the contamination of
River
the macro level, the supply to existing parking in the this area was recently restored by the Environmental
River District is currently adequate, but new developments Melding these priorities is imperative to determining the
Y q P Protection Agency, however, according to mapping of the
within and adjacent to the stud area have the potential to optimal solution for transportation needs throughout the
J Y p study area, particularly along Jefferson Street. landfill, there may be additional areas to be addressed as
change the situation to one where parking shortages will part of future redevelopment.
occur on a frequent basis. On a micro level, the physical Throughout the development of this Downtown River
removal of on-street parking on Jefferson Street, in the District project, the DDA, City and CDOT have worked Economic Challenges
vicinity of the Linden Street intersection, has created an together to try to collaborate on the development of Business and Customer Opinions
environment adverse to pedestrian safety, and is perceived mutually beneficial improvements to enhance the safety and As noted earlier, Jefferson Street building owners and
as a liability to successful business operations in buildings functionality for all modes of transportation, including the occupants identify negative impacts to the business climate
where no storefront parking is available. local and regional vehicular needs as well as for pedestrians. as a result of excessive truck traffic and poor pedestrian
Recognizing the challenges inherent in trying to accomplish conditions. Customers identify access to businesses along
this joint approach, the agencies are continuing to explore Jefferson Street as unsafe, and they identify the Linden and
design alternatives and options that will provide an Jefferson Street crossing as unsafe and reason for not
appropriate context-sensitive solution for the downtown crossing into the River District.
urban environment while at the same time respecting the
i 4 state highway functionality needs for all types of vehicles. Fragmentation of Central Core
-a- Environmental Challenges To avoid fragmentation of the central core of Fort Collins, it
of is desirable to maintain the downtown as a regional center
=4 Udall and Gustav Swanson Natural Areas for commercial, financial, governmental, social, recreational
The River District study area is adjacent to the Udall and and cultural activities and to prevent deterioration from
Gustav Swanson Natural Areas. The Cache La Poudre occurring. Preventing the fragmentation of the central core
—c : Natural Areas Management Plan classifies the Gustav would be accomplished by planning for a variety of land
Swanson Natural Area as an "urban" site, and the Udall parcel sizes and mixed uses to foster a balance between
Natural Area as a "restorative" site. Redevelopment small businesses, intermediate-sized projects and major
projects as well as between local owners, regional businesses Columbia. Granville Island is a former federal economic THE ATTRIBUTES AND OPPORTUNITIES
and national businesses. industrial zone that once contained numerous lumber mills, A New Third Place in Downtown Fort Collins
Accommodating Industrial and Manufacturing Type Uses shipping facilities and factories that produced construction
materials. Today, the Granville Island community provides a third place (THURD plays)n. A place other than
During stakeholder meetings, a concern was expressed by vital pedestrian entertainment and shopping area, and home or work where a person can go to relax and
some land and business owners with industrial or housed in the heart of the district is an operating cement feel part of the communityz
manufacturing uses in the Downtown River District. Their plant and other industrial uses. In the book The Great, Good Place, author and urban
concern was a deficiency of land with equivalent zoning sociologist Ray Oldenburg refers to a concept of community
designations elsewhere in municipal limits that would The designs presented in this improvement plan recognize
g p building and social surroundings that exists away from our
accommodate their business operations if they were to move the operational needs of existing businesses in the River
District and provide physical accommodation to allow their tvc o usual environments of home and workplace. Oldenburg
from the River District. The challenge that these land and derives the term "the third place" from considering our
operation long into the future. The City and the DDA are
business owners communicated is maintaining their homes to be the "first" places in our lives, and our work
industrial or manufacturinguse in an area that is committed to supporting the long term success of local
businesses and will continue to seek solutions to retain local places the second. Oldenburg reasons that third places are
experiencing urban redevelopment pressure, or feeling important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement and
forced to search for land outside of Fort Collins municipal companies.
establishing feelings of a sense of place where a person can
limits to relocate their business operations. Whether the i go to relax and feel part of the community. Revitalization of
stakeholders' observations are perceived or real, the City is Old Town has successfully created the most popular third
challenged with the following: place in Fort Collins. Today, an opportunity exists to grow
➢ Effectively communicating the current availability of the concept of "third place" in our downtown by enhancing
zoned land able to accommodate these uses so that the unique identity of the River District through coordinated
the businesses can relocate inside Fort Collins design and implementation partnerships.
municipal limits, The River District has many attributes that differentiate it
from other areas of the downtown area. Its proximity to the
➢ Ensuring that future sub-area planning provides a Poudre River, its historic agri-industrial architecture, and the
supply of land appropriately zoned and compatible lore associated with Auntie Stone's Mill and the original
with these uses, or Camp Collins site make the district a unique place in the
• community. However, these attributes are known "in-the-
➢ Accepting the possibility that these businesses may raw," so to speak, and have not yet been elevated to a "third
relocate outside Fort Collins municipal limits. place" experience such as we have with Old Town.
This is not to imply that business owners cannot operate There aren't any standing buildings remaining from the old
effectively within the district and continue their existing d fort, no remnants of the fort walls because our fort never had
operations. In fact, many of the uses existing today can rm walls, and no longer a water driven mill.
happen together with an evolving new identity that is Physical impediments such as the railroad tracks, lack of
inspired by the architecture and industrial flavor of the ` sidewalks, and the unsafe feeling when crossing Jefferson
current businesses. An example of where this approach has
been successful is Granville Island in Vancouver, British 2 www.wordspyxom
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTREDEVELOPMENT
i
in -no
Street from Old Town make it difficult and unwieldy for the fYr The remainder of the ingredients to transform the area into a Architecture should also create density. For the area to
casual downtown visitor to venture into the district. Most "third place" will be provided through the ingenuity of redevelop with meaning and sufficient mass to create a vital
people are windshield-familiar with the River District, and private investment and entrepreneurship. area, taller buildings of at least two stories should be
are likely to experience it today as they drive through to required, except close to the river where buildings should
Private investment, as it occurred in Old Town over the past
other north Fort Collins destinations. Missing physical step down in accordance with the City Land Use Code.
25 years -- often in partnership with the DDA and the City --
remnants of Camp Collins or Auntie Stone's Mill relegates has shaped the look, feel, taste and smell of the downtown A future task for this area would be to develop specific
knowledge of this important part of our community's through its many offerings. The transformation of the River architectural guidelines to guide redevelopment of the area.
history to those willing to read about the subject in history District into a vibrant and beckoning third place cannot be
books or through exhibits at the museum. It's not currently a realized without similar private investment. New, well-
place that draws people to escape, relax and experience the designed infill buildings will provide quality and balance in
community and public life, but it could become a fabulous the streetscape, and the exciting uses within and amongst
place with good timing and a solid place-making strategy. these building walls will fulfill the visitor's desire for
Transformation of the River District into a new "third place" relaxation, exposure to cultural activities, civic interaction
is an exercise in place-making. This exercise must start with and to simply enjoy quality time with family and friends.
the necessities, such as construction of utility improvements, Restaurants and taverns with outdoor cafe seating,
sidewalks and crosswalks, and improved intersections. performances at the rehabilitated Bas Bleu Theater, uniquely
These basic physical improvements move us closer to Fort Collins retail stores, coffee and ice cream shops, and
creation of an alive-feeling and captivating third place, but more will provide reason for people to visit the River
not quite all the way. By enhancing aesthetics in these public District. The streetscape and its enhanced features will give Tom"
areas with interactive amenities such as the interpretive mill people reason to linger, amble and experience the district as
race water feature, brick streets, roundabouts and artistic a new third place in downtown.
sculpture or landscape elements that evoke memory of the Architecture `
former military camp, an exciting context and sense of place
to showcase the district's attributes is created. The downtown river district has a distinct character. Given
its roots in agriculture and other light industrial uses it has
evolved with a unique expression of functional buildings. lwr
` <' 4�.• .;f _ ;% f ' Ranchway Feeds in particular offers a sculptural like quality
with its overhead conveyor systems. In addition several
r
other buildings within the district offer unique high quality
statements reflecting on the past and the working nature of �
® _ this area. The architectural vision of this area should reflect �•
this quality. As buildings redevelop or new buildings are
added, the architectural expression of the district should
' continue to convey the theme of the working district. Metal,
brick and exoskeletal expressions reflecting uses within
should be accommodated as part of the character. Auntie Store's Mill
DOWNTOWN RIIVER 1ISTRIICT STI;tEETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNT PROJECT REDEVELOPMENT
Project Process direction and success; and, 2) to help the project team quantitative review of traffic operational and safety
This chapter details the steps undertaken throughout this understand the direct impact that the alternatives would conditions.
project to determine an optimal design for each street within have on their businesses and/ or residences. Site Assessment
the River District and developan implementation strategy As mentioned above, there were three rounds of public
P gY The site assessment included a qualitative review of existing
for the project area as a whole. Specifically, these steps meetings. The first round included a public scoping meeting, streetscape and urban design features, an assessment of
included an infrastructure needs assessment, selection of which introduced the project and gained input on project pedestrian mobility and the presence of buildings that either
preferred alternatives, preliminary design, prioritization of direction. The primary stakeholders were invited to a are or could be placed on the registry.
preferred alternatives and a recommended implementation meeting on March 21 , 2006 and the secondary stakeholders
strategY• were invited on April 6, 2006. In addition to the public Streetscape
meeting on March 21 , primary stakeholders were also Streetscape conditions along the four streets within the
This project designed a stakeholder involvement plan that invited to set u a one-on-one meeting with the project team
sought to involve impacted agency staff and various P g P J study area vary as greatly as the land use. All streets lack a
members of the public at strategic milestones throughout the to privately discuss any issues that they had with the project. consistent adherence to those features that one would expect
The second round of meetings was a project progress in an urban condition.
process. This plan designated three groups as follows: meeting that sought to gain input on the alternatives that
➢ Core Project Team — Included key agency staff from were developed. The primary stakeholders were invited on Only Jefferson Street provides a sidewalk, most of which is
various departments within the City of Fort Collins, September 13, 2006 and the general stakeholders were narrow and attached to the street. Those sections of detached
staff members from the Downtown Development invited on September 18, 2006. The last round of public sidewalk are provided in short stretches and also are
Authority and representatives from the Colorado meetings was one final meeting that allowed all stakeholders narrow. Jefferson Street does not include on-street bike
Department of Transportation to attend and provide feedback. The purpose of this meeting lanes. Landscaping is provided along Jefferson only at the
was to present the preferred alternatives. This meeting was Park that is located in the northwest corner of Jefferson and
➢ Primary Stakeholders — Included property and Linden Street. The presence of street furniture and other
business owners that owned property and/ or held on May 2, 2007. More details on each meeting will be amenities that contribute to pedestrian comfort and
operated businesses within and near the project area provided throughout this document.
P P J aesthetics is limited only to the west end near Jefferson
➢ General Stakeholders — Included the general public Station. The one bus stop that Transfort provides along
and various boards and commissions within the City INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ASSESSMENT Jefferson Street is on the westbound side at Lincoln Avenue.
structure (i.e. City Council, Transportation Board, Businesses along Jefferson Street, particularly north of
DBA Board, DDA Board) Linden Street, have expressed concern that potential
Initiation of this project included an assessment of existing customers avoid patronizing their businesses due to the
The core project team was involved regular intervals conditions and a public scoping meeting. intimidating nature of the streetscape and the frequency of
throughout the study portions of the project. This enabled all large trucks rumbling along Jefferson.
affected agencies to provide input in the decision making
regarding alternatives development and analysis. The Existing Conditions Assessment Willow Street consists of a two-lane, undivided roadway
primary and general stakeholders were involved in the that lacks urban design features, sidewalks and minimal
Assessment of existing conditions included a site visit, street lighting, and the street meanders through arts of its
process via three rounds of public meetings. For the first two g P
rounds of public meetings, the primary stakeholders were "Which involved a qualitative review to existing analysis,
a right-of-way. Willow is flanked on its north side, east of
visited first for two reasons: 1) to express to this group that and urban design features, a photographic analysis, a Linden Street, by a railroad spur that serves Ranch-Way
historical review and a traffic study, which included a Feeds. The land use on the opposite side of Willow is used as
their interests were extremely important to the project's PP
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNT
parking for light industrial. Though the centerline of this the Open Door Mission, one just south and west of El Burrito that sidewalk are characterized by its users as lacking in
stretch of Willow largely adheres to the centerline of the and one just north of the Poudre River bridge. comfort and safety. Without serviceable sidewalks anywhere
right-of-way, the road meanders off the centerline on the else in the study area, pedestrian travel is minimal. The
Lincoln Avenue is a two-lane roadway that is slated in the
west side of Linden. There are striped bike lanes on Willow Master Street Plan to be a four-lane arterial. The stretch of River District is particularly uninviting at night due to the
Street connecting from North College to Lincoln. Storm lack of street lighting. Residents and business owners within
Lincoln that is within the study area is barely more than one
water pools at several locations in an inconsistent roadside the area have expressed a concern with the lack of street
block in length, with the bridge over the Poudre River being
ditch, often requiring pedestrians to walk on the street in the located little more than 100 feet from the Willow Street lighting, especially with reference to the educational facility
two-foot shoulder. Pine Street intersects Willow near the Bas intersection. This intersection has geometric issues that that is located across Linden Street from the El Burrito. This
Bleu Theatre, providing vehicular access to the United Way should be addressed as part of future street improvements. condition adversely impacts this facility's endeavors to host
building between Willow Street and the Cache La Poudre evening classes for the working population.
A short section of detached sidewalk and street landscaping
River. There are railroad track crossings on both ends of is provided along the north side of Lincoln at Willow Street In addition to the study area being uninviting for a
Willow Street, including one on the west side that cuts in front of the Harmony Mill building. The on-street bike pedestrian, access to the River District from Old Town is also
through the Schrader property and one on the east side that lanes are narrow and not continuous and street lighting is intimidating due to the presence of the "pedestrian mobility
bisects Willow's intersection with Lincoln Avenue; the east limited. Transfort does not provide any bus stops along barrier." The pedestrian mobility barrier consists of Jefferson
side crossing is the spur mentioned above. Two bus stops Lincoln. Street (which is also State Highway 14) and the UPRR tracks
can be found along Willow Street, including one in each that parallel Jefferson on the north. The presence of this
direction on the west end of the street between College Pedestrian, Bicycle and Transit Mobility
barrier is formidable, given the truck traffic that uses
Avenue and the railroad tracks. Because today this is an industrial working district, Jefferson Street and the train along the tracks. This barrier
Linden Street is a two-lane, undivided roadway that pedestrian facilities, amenities and overall comfort are makes it undesirable for a pedestrian to walk from Old
provides a connection to Old Town from Vine Drive. This lacking throughout the District. As described above, only Town to the River District.
street is similar in nature to Willow Street, east of Linden in Jefferson Street provides a sidewalk and many portions of
Planning for pedestrians should incorporate the generally
that the street largely follows the right-of-way centerline but accepted principle that pedestrians will walk on average
offers little in the way of urban design features and limited about '/a-mile to '/z-mile to get to a destination, depending
street lighting. There are on-street bike lanes along Linden
from Jefferson to Vine Drive. A narrow, random sidewalk
exists along the west side of the street, north of Willow. On-
street parking is randomly provided, primarily in front of
the El Burrito restaurant that is located in the southeast '
corner of Willow and Linden. Access to the Poudre River
pedestrian/ bicycle trail is provided from Linden on the ` .,
north and south sides of the bridge. The Union Pacific r • '
Railroad crosses Linden approximately 75 feet from the Jj - ` ♦ ��� e
Jefferson Street north curb line, leaving little storage for
traffic at the intersection with Jefferson. Four Transfort bus ' ` i
stops are provided along Linden, including two in front of
DOVVNTOWN RlIVER DIISTRIICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENIENT
City of Fort Collins — 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.224.6140
Downtown Development Authority — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square - 242 — Fort Collins, CO : 1 Tel 1
.419.4388
BHA Design1603Oak ridge DriveCO 80525Tel 110
10� j WA
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upon the quality of the pedestrian environment; this equates original parade grounds have been removed, several historic analyzed using projected daily and peak hour traffic
to about a 5- 10 minute walk. The important point is that they structures, or potentially historic structures, still remain. volumes.
will walk farther if there is a continuing series of Two buildings are designated as local landmarks, including The analysis of existing traffic conditions included vehicular
destinations that are compelling and attractive magnets. This Harmony Mill Building and the Lindell Mill within the traffic operations, pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities and
is the same principle used in mall development whereby Ranch-Way Feeds building. There is also a number of transit service. These analyses were performed in accordance
anchor stores locate at opposite ends of a mall in order to undesignated but locally significant historic buildings in the with the latest edition of the Larimer County Urban Area
draw pedestrians through the full length of a shopping River District, including the Union Pacific Freight Depot, the Street Standards (LCUASS). The analysis of vehicular traffic
center. The implication of this concept for the Downtown Union Pacific Passenger Depot, the Poudre Valley Elevator operations found that all six intersections within the River
River District is that significant attractions (anchors) should Company Complex, the Giddings Machine Company District currently operate at acceptable levels of service. The
be located at key locations in order to facilitate the visitor building and two Quonset huts along Jefferson Street. pedestrian analysis determined that pedestrian facilities in
experience and encourage pedestrians to continue moving and around the River District do not meet the City's
from one destination to the next. For the district, the key standards for directness, continuity, street crossings, visual
locations for anchors would be: Traffic Study interest and amenities, and security. The analysis of bicycle
➢ Linden and Willow to connect Old Town to the middle A traffic study was performed to assess safety, traffic facilities found that existing bicycle lanes meet the City's
of the District operations and parking supply needs within the River standards because they provide adequate connectivity
➢ New Belgium and the Oxbow site at the north end of the District. between neighboring north-south and east-west routes.
District Safety Analysis
Existing transit service was also evaluated against the City's
standards for service frequency, proximity of stops to area
➢ A future use to be determined at a future time for the The safety analysis reviewed crash history from January land uses and number of hours of daily service; existing
southeast end of Willow Street close to Lincoln 2003 through December 2005 to identify crash patterns and transit service was deemed to not be meeting these
Anchors at these locations would greatly foster the infill of potential safety issues that should be addressed during the standards. The results of these analyses are presented below
smaller activities in between and along Willow and Linden development and analysis of alternatives. In general, the in Table 1, Existing Multi-Modal Conditions Assessment.
Streets. analysis found relatively favorable conditions in terms of These tables and supporting detail for these analyses can be
safety, given that crash rates were generally low. The lone found in "Transportation and Parking Study, May 2006."
Transit service within the River District includes two bus exception to this is the Willow Street & Linden Street
routes, one of which runs along Jefferson Street and Lincoln intersection, which suffers a crash rate that is double that of y
Avenue and the other along Jefferson and Linden streets. s
the Jefferson Street & Lincoln Avenue intersection. It is also E
These two routes are accessed by seven bus stops at various noteworthy to state that a majority of all crashes that
spots within the study area. A transit level of service
occurred within the study area occurred along Jefferson 13i
analysis showed that transit service within the River District Street. it
"� e
is at LOS D, as compared to the standard of LOS B. The a ,"
primary reason for this shortfall is the headway of each Traffic Operations Analysis
route (30 minutes or longer). The traffic operations analysis was performed for existing
Historic Buildings conditions and future-year conditions. The existing
conditions analysis was performed using current-year daily
The River District encompasses the original encampment of and peak hour traffic data and other pertinent traffic
the city of Fort Collins. Although many structures within the characteristics, while the future-year conditions were
DONVNTOWN RIIVER DISTRIICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNTPROJECT
City of Fort Collins — 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.224.6140
Downtown Development Authority — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square - 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524Tel 1
� ' 1 1
Table 1 - Existing Multi-Modal Conditions Assessment Avenue), and the capacity of two streets (Riverside Avenue might arise as part of development within the immediate
Minimum Acceptable Current Condition of and Willow Street). vicinity of the district.
o LOS DTRD Parking Supply Needs The sum of the parking spaces needed for residential
Pedestrian Facilities development (285) and non-residential development (805)
A parking study was performed to evaluate the potential for
Directness A F overall parking demand within the River District. The basis yields a parking supply need of 1 ,090 parking spaces. These
Continuity A F for this analysis included the land use assumptions from the Parking spaces could be provided on-street and off-street.
Strategic Plan and the current parking supply throughout On-Street: As will be discussed later in this report, this
Street crossings B E downtown Fort Collins. project included the development of preliminary design
Visual Interest & A E plans for roadways within the River District. These
Amenities Parking needs were estimated to determine the necessary
Security A F number of parking spaces within the River District. The City roadways include Jefferson Street, Willow Street, Linden
has a defined parking supply requirement for residential, Street and Lincoln Avenue. Pine Street and Poudre Street
Bicycle Facilities
y but non-residential development is not obligated provide were also considered but design plans did not include these
B D at no within the downtown area. As a result, an two minor streets. Refinement of the design of these four
Transit Facilities parking
estimation had to be made to accommodate non-residential primary streets provides an opportunity for estimation of
Source: City of Fort Collins Muttimoda/ Trensportation Level of Service Manual the number of on-street parking spaces that could be
The analysis of future-year conditions included vehicular parking needs. provided through the future street improvement projects.
capacity needs of the project area and the parking supply Article 3 of the City's land use code requires a total of 1 .75
parking spaces per dwelling unit. The Strategic Plan Jefferson Street currently provides limited parallel parking
needs associated with projected land use. The future p g p p g g on both sides of the street. The concept for a future cross
capacity needs of the River District were evaluated using identifies a potential for 163 dwelling units within the River
District. Therefore, a total of 285 spaces will be needed for section of Jefferson includes parallel parking along both
two metrics, including intersection operations and overall sides of the street throughout the study area. As such, up to
roadway capacity. The basis for these two types of analysis residential uses within the study area.
65 parking spaces could be provided along Jefferson Street;
was future-year traffic projections, which were generated The number of parking spaces that should be provided to these 65 spaces would be new spaces.
using land use projections from the "Downtown Strategic accommodate non-residential development was estimated
Plan, July 18, 2000." These land use projections included a based on existing parking supply throughout downtown. As Willow Street is planned as a two-lane collector street with
mix of residential and non-residential development, in reported in the Strategic Plan, the total number of existing Parallel parking on both sides of the street and diagonal
addition to the revamped Northside Aztlan Center. parking spaces in the downtown area is 10,800 spaces and Parking in the center (ala College Avenue). Given its 2,900
Background traffic growth, which includes traffic growth the density of existing non-residential uses in the downtown linear feet of street, Willow could provide up to 220 parking
resulting from development in other parts of town, was area is 3,073,716 square feet. Based on this information, the spaces between the railroad tracks on the west and Lincoln
added to the traffic generated by these land use projections calculated parking demand is 3 .5 spaces per 1 ,000 square Avenue.
to generate fixture-year traffic projections; these traffic feet of non-residential square footage. The Strategic Plan Linden Street is planned as a two-lane street with diagonal
projections are provided in Figure 1, 2030 Total Volumes. calls for a potential of 230,000 square feet of non-residential parking on both sides of the street. This would essentially be
The analysis of these volumes yielded that existing land use within the study area, so a total of 805 parking a continuation of the street section that is provided along
infrastructure could handle the projected traffic, with the spaces will be needed for non-residential development. This Linden between Walnut Street/ Old Town Square and
exception of two intersections (Willow Street & Linden does not include any additional parking requirements which Jefferson Street. With 1 ,200 linear feet of street, Linden could
Street and Willow & Lincoln Avenue), as well as the might develop as a result of either increased density in the provide up to 70 parking spaces between Jefferson Street
approach capacity to another (Jefferson Street & Mountain downtown river district or other large venue parking that and the bridge over the Poudre River.
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNT
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DOWNTOWN RINER DISTRIICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTPROJECT
Lincoln Avenue could ultimately be constructed as a four- parking solution could be developed to serve the Downtown pedestrian and bicycle facilities, public transit service,
lane arterial, as called for in the current Master Street Plan. River District area-wide needs. streetscape/ urban design features, parking opportunities
However, projected traffic volumes are such that, for the and other ideas that focused on improving the quality of life
foreseeable future, a two-lane section should be able to throughout the River District. The full list of alternatives can
adequately handle the anticipated travel demand. In either public Scoping Meeting be found in the appendix.
section (four-lane or two-lane arterial street), parallel Public scoping meetings were held in March and April of An alternatives evaluation process was developed to
parking is not typically provided and, given the presence of 2006 to introduce the project to the public and to obtain their incrementally refine the preliminary alternatives shown in
the UPRR tracks, the intersection improvements needed at input on project direction. In accordance with the the appendix to a list of preferred alternatives that could be
Jefferson Street and the Poudre River bridge, few, if any, stakeholder involvement plan, this scoping meeting was first carried forward to preliminary design. This evaluation
parking spaces could be provided along Lincoln. Therefore, taken to the primary stakeholders, on March 21 , 2006, and process is provided in the appendix and is summarized
it was presumed that Lincoln would not provide any on- then to the general public on April 6, 2006. Following these below:
street parking supply. two meetings, City and DDA staff presented this
The sum total of on-street parking spaces to be provided information to many City boards and commissions, ➢ Establish the preliminary alternatives list
along these four streets is 341 spaces. including the DDA Board, the Transportation Board and the ➢ Screen preliminary alternatives through fatal flaw
Off-Street: The balance of parking supply needs for the River Historic Preservation Board. analysis
District would be provided in off-street parking facilities. The content of this meeting included presentation of project ➢ Screen remaining alternatives through preliminary
With an estimated need of 1 ,090 spaces and an estimated on- goals, current site conditions, current traffic volumes, evaluation
street parking space supply of 355 spaces, there would be a current parking supply, current transit, bicycle and ➢ Present final alternatives to public and obtain input
need for at least 735 off-street parking spaces. pedestrian facilities, the access control plan for Jefferson
Street, the Beet Street concept and the project schedule. ➢ Perform detailed analysis on final alternatives
The parking facilities that would provide off-street parking
supply could include surface lots and/ or multi-level parking Meeting attendees were encouraged to provide feedback to ➢ Select preferred alternatives
structures. This project did not seek to determine the project team members and to fill out a questionnaire/
locations of these lots and structures, choosing instead to comment sheet. The input provided by members of the
allow site re-development and market interests to drive the public and the various boards and commissions was used in Fatal Flaw Analysis
location of these facilities. Many concepts were discussed the development of alternatives that were established to The alternatives were evaluated through a qualitative
during the early stages of this project as to how off-street address infrastructure issues throughout the River District. screening process that sought to eliminate those alternatives
parking could become reality. These concepts included such A full inventory of the boards that were presented at this that demonstrated fatal flaws and were, thus, deemed
strategies as surface lots that could be shared by multiple meeting and the input that was gathered can be found in the infeasible. The determination of infeasibility was predicated
land uses and eventually expand into multi-story parking appendix. on such considerations as cost and physical constraints. The
structures that could be built into residential and mixed-use results of this evaluation can be found in the appendix.
developments. The City and the DDA will encourage Examples of some of the alternatives that were deemed
developers to look for ways to provide off-street parking ALTERNATIVES infeasible during this stage include tunneling Jefferson
supply that is beneficial to their developments and to the The project team developed preliminary alternatives that under downtown, using the sidewalk along Willow Street to
River District as a whole. Ideally, a joint public/ private attempted to address the issues that had been raised by the help accommodate on-street parking and construction of
City, the DDA and members of the public. These alternatives wetlands within the project area to assist in surface drainage
included ideas for improving vehicular traffic flow, and water quality.
DOVVNTOWN RlIVER DISTRIICT STIZEETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNTPROJECT
01
Preliminary Evaluation intersection treatments and other design elements were SELECTION OF PREFERRED DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
The alternatives and criteria were
The alternatives that remained on the table after the fatal carried forward. The selection of preferred design alternatives focused on the
flaw analysis were carried forward into the preliminary organized into an alternatives evaluation matrix that cross section for each street within the project area. This
evaluation. The primary focus of this phase of evaluation provided a visual assessment of which alternatives should selection considered the technical merits of each alternative
was to determine which alternatives would not fit the be removed from consideration and which alternatives that was presented to the stakeholders in September and
overall intent of this project. should be taken forward into the next phase of evaluation. October of 2006 and the input that was received from these
The result of this phase of evaluation can be found in the stakeholders.
To make this determination, evaluation criteria and an appendix.
evaluation process were developed. The evaluation criteria Jefferson Street
were crafted to match the primary project goals of improved Detailed Evaluation
The preferred section along Jefferson Street includes two 14-
pedestrian mobility, ample parking supply, enhanced safety The alternatives that remained after the qualitative foot travel lanes, separated by a 14-foot raised median/ left-
and pedestrian comfort through traffic calming, preservation evaluations and the stakeholder review process were carried turn lane, and an eight-foot parking lane on each side of the
of historic integrity and minimal right-of-way impacts. forward into a detailed evaluation phase. The result of this street. This width would occupy the entire 58-foot right-of-
These five metrics were used as the evaluation criteria prior evaluation phase was a list of preferred alternatives that way along Jefferson. The sidewalk is not included within the
to the project progress meeting that provided opportunity focused on the street sections for each street. Also included right-of--way, so sidewalk width would remain as currently
for public input. After this meeting, stakeholder acceptance were various design details that were deemed influential to provided and future sidewalk widening and streetscape
was an added criterion. the overall cost estimate for each street, including such enhancements would be driven by the desires of infill and
The evaluation process was another qualitative screening details as brick streets and modern roundabouts. redevelopment that would occur along the corridor over
analysis that patterned its results from the popular The alternatives that were carried into this phase included time.
Consumer Reports method. In this method, varying designs two-lane and four-lane alternatives along Jefferson Street;
and colors of a dot pattern are used to denote a general level two-lane alternatives along Willow Street that offered
of satisfactory or unsatisfactory quality to each alternative. different options for on-street parking treatments and
The core project team was not prepared yet to perform any sidewalk features; two-lane alternatives along Linden Street
level of quantitative, data-intensive analysis and the use of that offered different options for sidewalks, bicycle lanes �yy
this qualitative analysis method allowed for another level of and railroad crossing treatments; and two-lane and four-lane (`L'
screening while still accomplishing this goal. alternatives along Lincoln Avenue.
The consultant team developed a draft evaluation of the Public Presentation of Alternatives P Ir}
remaining alternatives and the core project team had an /
A series of meetings was held in September and October of �..•.. �
opportunity to comment. Once core project team comments _
2006 to present project progress, specifically the alternatives
were incorporated, the results were deemed to be a draft
evaluation matrix, to the primary and general stakeholders.
final and were later presented to the primary and general The primary stakeholder meeting was held on Wednesday,
stakeholders for review and comment. September 13, 2006. The general stakeholder meeting was
The outcome of this evaluation phase was a list of three to held on Monday, September 18, 2006. The project team met
five street section alternatives, per street, that would be with the DDA Board, the Transportation Board, the City
taken into the next phase of evaluation. In addition, Council and many other boards and commissions.
alternatives related to urban design, parking supply,
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNTPROJECT
i
U W. -OU
This alternative was selected as the preferred because of its The right-of-way narrows in front of Ranch-Way Feeds, street. This section would occupy the entirety of the 100-foot
ability to satisfy the goals of the project and those of land thereby requiring some narrowing of the sidewalk and/ or right-of-way along Linden Street from Jefferson Street to the
and business owners adjacent to Jefferson Street. The project modifications to the proposed streetscape improvements bridge.
goals that would be satisfied by this alternative include if/ when this area redevelops. This alternative was selected as the preferred for Linden
improving pedestrian mobility, enhancing parking supply This alternative was selected as the preferred for Willow Street because, just like the preferred alternative for Willow,
and improving urban design features. Pedestrian mobility Street due to its ability to maximize on-street parking, its it maximizes on-street parking supply, enhances pedestrian
would be improved as a result of there being less pavement enhancement to pedestrian mobility issues, the mobility in a manner that is consistent with Linden on the
width for a pedestrian to cross when traversing from one opportunities for significant urban design and cultural south side of Jefferson Street, provides opportunities for
side of Jefferson Street to another. The enhanced parking features and its accommodation of all modes of travel. significant urban design features and accommodates all
supply along Jefferson would also benefit pedestrian Parking supply is of great concern for downtown as a whole, modes of travel. The diagonal parking maximizes parking
mobility by providing greater separation between the and this study area is no different. This alternative supply along Linden and ties in very well with the proposed
sidewalk and the street. Land and business owners would maximizes the amount of on-street parking that Willow roundabout at the Linden & Willow Street intersection. The
benefit from this proposal because it provides greater Street could provide. Other ideas for parking supply, such as consistent with parking and urban design features with the
separation between the noise of the street, the fronts of p P g y p g g
shared off-street parking facilities between adjacent property rest of the street is also a distinct advantage, allowing for
stores, and greater opportunities for parking; this would owners, will be encouraged. Also significant are the urban business "annexation" of the sidewalk that contributes to the
likely lead more visitors/ customers to their stores. design features that this section could provide. The 20-foot energy of Old Town.
Willow Street sidewalk along the northeast side of the street allows for Lincoln Avenue
The preferred section along Willow Street includes two accommodation of the proposed interpretive mill race (linear
travel lanes that would be separated by diagonal parking in water feature) and "site-specific annexation" of the sidewalk The preferred section along Lincoln Avenue includes two
the center the section (ala College Avenue), bicycle lanes
for use by businesses in creating a front-door patio (ala the 12-foot travel lanes, a raised median, eight-foot bicycle lanes
on each sidee of the street, parallel parking on both sides of patios that many restaurants in Old Town have incorporated on each side of the street, an attached sidewalk on the north
along the sidewalk in front of their establishments). side of the street and a detached sidewalk on the south side
the street, a 10-foot attached sidewalk along the southwest of the street. This two-lane section will fit better into the
side of the street, and a 20-foot attached sidewalk along the Linden Street existing right-of-way and create fewer business impacts than
northeast side of the street. This section would occupy the The preferred section along Linden Street includes two 12- will the City's current Master Street Plan designation that
entirety of the 100-foot right-of-way along Willow Street that foot travel lanes, five feet of width for a bicycle-way on each calls for a four-lane roadway.
the City owns from Auntie Stone's Mill in Ranch-Way Feeds side of the street, diagonal parking on both sides of the
to the UPRR crossing on the west end of the project. street, and a 15-foot attached sidewalk on each side of the
- fl%V - . i
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., .
DOVVNTOVVN RIVER DISTRICT ST111KETSCAPE IMEPROVENIENTPROJECT
City of Fort Collins — 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.224.6140
Downtown Development Authority — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square - 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524Tel 1
This alternative was selected as the preferred because the circulating lanes and would have nearly a 200-foot inscribed Utilities
narrower street should adequately serve the anticipated diameter.
travel demand for many years to come. Maintaining a In addition to addressing traffic capacity and safety
narrower street also fits well with the project goals of Stormwater Improvements
considerations for Jefferson Street and for the intersection
improved pedestrian mobility, as does the proposed with Mountain/ Lincoln, the design of the proposed Improvements to the existing stormwater system were
detached sidewalk. This section does not include on-street roundabout would foster the gateway entry feature goals of developed to address existing capacity limitations, resolve
parking. This is consistent with the City's policy that the downtown community and fit with the urban downtown alignment issues, and address future conveyance and water
providing on-street parking on a designated arterial would li needs associated with the redevelopment of the
context. The roundabout concept for this intersection and the quality p
not be in the best interest of the public due to safety two-lane reconfiguration have been widely endorsed by study area. Several stormwater conveyance and water
considerations. Given the short length of the street and other property owners and business owners in the study area. quality alternatives were developed and are described in
physical constraints, not much parking would be provided, detail in the project Preliminary Drainage Report. The
e project team understands the complexities associated
anyway. The P J h recommended concept includes new storm sewers located
with recommending a two-lane modern roundabout at this within the street right-of-way and abandoning the existing
It is also worth noting that the two-lane section will fit intersection, particularly given operational concerns for state g y g g
within the existing width of the bridge over the Poudre storm sewers that cross mid-block between Jefferson and
highway functionality. The project team respects these Willow Street. The proposed storm sewer improvements
River. Avoiding the need to widen this bridge averts P P P
concerns and is committed to continuing to work with local also consist of improving the existing outfall to the Poudre
additional project cost and potential environmental impacts. and regional partners to explore a wide-variety of design
River at the Lincoln Avenue Bridge and creating a new
Intersections alternatives for the intersection and Jefferson Street, outfall at the Linden Street Bridge. The existing outfall
There are four major street-street intersections within the including more traditional signalized improvements as well midway between the two bridges will be abandoned under
project area, including two along Jefferson Street at Linden as the proposed roundabout. the recommended plan.
Street and Lincoln Avenue and two along Willow Street, also This project also recommends a modern roundabout at the Across the project area, improving the quality of stormwater
at Linden and Lincoln. Each was evaluated for potential Willow Street and Linden Street intersection. This is is addressed by a combination of diverting low flows to the
changes in intersection control, with alternatives including intended to alleviate the unsafe conditions found in the existing stormwater quality facility within the Udall Natural
maintaining the existing control (signalized or unsignalized) crash patterns that are experienced at this intersection. A Area and on-site Best Management Practices (BMPs). Low
and consideration of roundabout control. modern roundabout would also serve as a gateway feature flows diverted to the Udall facility include those areas
Based upon the technical traffic analysis and local to the River District. between Willow and Jefferson Street. Due to topography, the
stakeholder involvement, this project report recommends a The other two intersections, including the Jefferson Street area between the river and Willow Street cannot be diverted
two-lane modern roundabout at the Jefferson Street and and Linden Street intersection and the Lincoln Avenue and to the Udall facility. As a result, the area between Willow
Lincoln Avenue intersection. The purpose of the proposed Willow Street intersection, were considered for roundabout Street and the river will require on-site BMPs to improve the
modern roundabout at this location is twofold. One is to control and the Lincoln and Willow intersection was also quality of stormwater prior to discharge to the river. The
provide the greatest level of capacity along Jefferson Street, considered for signal control. Analysis determined that both Preliminary Drainage Report includes a series of small scale
and the other is to best accommodate the preferred street intersections should remain under current control. BMPs that could be applied on a parcel by parcel basis as
section for Jefferson Street, which includes narrowing it from this area develops to improve stormwater quality in a Low
its current four-lane configuration to a three-lane section Impact Development (LID) based approach.
(one travel lane in each direction with a center left-turn
lane). The proposed roundabout would consist of two
DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMEPROVEMIENTPROJECT
36
Water and Sewer Improvements PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE Pine Street and Poudre Street
Improvements to the water distribution and sewer collection The preferred design alternatives were carried into These two streets have been discussed in this report, with
system were developed to remove pipe lines that cross preliminary design. The intent of this level of design was to desire for brick streets and minimal sidewalk treatments
private property and place them into the road right-of-way. provide the City and interested stakeholders with a along Pine Street and a pedestrian/ bicycle/ downtown alley
Water system improvements also increase the reliability of framework for constructing improvements within the River concept along Poudre Street. These two streets were added
the distribution system and improving available fire flows. District. The plan set for this level of design is provided in to the study area during this project for conceptual-level
Stakeholder Acceptance the appendix of this report. analysis only and, thus, were not included in the preliminary
The challenge regarding stakeholder acceptance is to
Please note that the stage of design development included in design phase.
maintain a high level of momentum in the implementation this project is preliminary in nature. As such, only the Modern Roundabouts
phase of this project. The project team met with key boards horizontal controls of the proposed improvements have Detailed design of modern roundabouts was not included in
been identified and the vertical elements of the proposed
and commissions to present the project's findings and the scope of this project. Their use was not anticipated at the
improvements are not set. Limited effort was made to ensure
recommended improvements. The team met with the outset of this project and, due to the complexity of modern
that the vertical geometry associated with the proposed
Transportation Board on May 16, 2007, the DDA Board on roundabout design features, including them in this project's
u tr improvements could effectively tie into existing topography.
June 14 , the DBA Board on June 13 and the City Council scope was financially infeasible. This is of particular note
on June 12 The primary reason for this approach was that the The result of these presentations has been related to the proposed modern roundabout at the Jefferson
anticipated intensity of infill and redevelopment in the River
overwhelming support for the project's proposed Street/ Riverside Avenue and Mountain Avenue/ Lincoln
improvements. In fact, the Downtown Development District will likely result in a significant change to the Avenue intersection. At the time of production of this report,
Authority, the Downtown Business Association and the topography of the study area. Users of this plan set are the placement of the roundabout was not final, nor were the
City's Transportation Board have formally endorsed the cautioned not to use these plans for final design purposes, design features, pedestrian treatments, railroad crossing
but should consider this to be a flexible design package as a
recommended street design options developed as part of the mitigation issues, etc. The City and the Colorado
planning effort, including the proposal that would reduce resource to guide their specific engineering plans. Department of Transportation are continuing to explore
Jefferson to a two-lane cross section, add a roundabout at The preliminary design package included in the appendix options for developing a thorough alternatives analysis
Mountain and Lincoln and enhance pedestrian mobility identified the proposed street improvements along all four process for Jefferson Street/ SH14 that would include
through enhanced walkways and pedestrian crossings and streets in the study area and the associated storm drain evaluation of a wide-variety of improvements to this
streetscape enhancements throughout the River District. system. This design package was reviewed by City intersection and to Jefferson Street. As such, users of this
There is a level of excitement and anticipation to initiate the Engineering and the Utilities department staff. Comments plan set should exercise added caution when attempting to
physical infrastructure improvements in the River District as that were received during these review phases are also incorporate the represented intersection improvements into
soon as possible. The quick and efficient alignment of included in the appendix. his/ her plans.
funding sources so that construction can begin in a timely There were a few notable design issues that were not Phasing of Improvements
manner will help avoid waning acceptance of the proposed resolved in the preliminary design package. Some of these Detail on the phasing of the proposed improvements will be
improvements. The details associated with implementation issues were not resolved because they fell out of the auspices provided later in this section of this report. The phasing that
of the proposed improvements are discussed in the next of the scope of this project, while others remained is provided in this report represents the culmination of
chapter of this document. unresolved due to the unpredictable nature of the potential project prioritization and the feasibility of this prioritization
redevelopment of private parcels within the River District. from an engineering standpoint. Although certain
These issues are discussed in the following sub-sections. infrastructure features must be installed prior to others (i.e.
DONVNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT ST11EETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNT
01
downstream storm drain improvements must be in place Words of Caution (again, existing ground could change), but notable changes
before upstream improvements), it is possible that later Prioritization Plan: Real Life Happens are likely. The centerline elevation along Willow Street
roadway phases depicted in this report could occur before between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue where the
earlier roadway phases. Timing of improvements will likely It must be noted that actual development activity could railroad spur to Ranch-Way Feeds crosses Willow Street is
be driven by private market forces for infill and amend this prioritization plan. Local, state, and federal grant one example. When/ If redevelopment of the Ranch-Way
redevelopment projects and/ or public capital project funding could accelerate certain transportation or utility Feeds property occurs, the tracks may be removed and the
funding as it comes available over time. projects ahead of others. Such an amendment would likely nature of Willow Street could change significantly. As
be based primarily on available funding and which projects another example, the vertical geometry of Lincoln Avenue
Other Street Design Issues are approved through regional competitive processes, as would also be impacted by the removal of the tracks.
As noted above, the user is cautioned in using the well the timing of private infill and redevelopment projects.
preliminary design set from this project for use in These opportunities may necessitate a review regarding the Aside from vertical geometry, other design features within
developing his/ her final design package. Roadway profiles feasibility of restructuring priorities. For example, upstream the study area are likely to change as redevelopment occurs
were developed to match existing centerline profiles as storm drain improvements could be made only if and the ultimate configuration of these streets is constructed.
closely as practical. The user of this plan set is encouraged to downstream infrastructure were already in place. If One example is the configuration and pedestrian treatments
explore other options for vertical geometry. For example, the development activity occurs that first requires upstream at the Willow and Lincoln intersection. As shown, the
centerline profile along the east end of Willow Street depicts infrastructure improvements, then there may be a need for pedestrian crossings at this intersection would need to avoid
the street profile matching the elevation of the railroad track adjustments in the proposed prioritization in other parts of the railroad tracks. This condition requires that pedestrians
spur that services Ranch-Way Feeds. It is possible, however, the River District. In summary, the prioritization that is cross a longer distance of roadway than what would be
that improvements to this stretch of Willow Street will occur proposed in this document is simply one alternative for how ideal. Removal of the tracks, however, would allow for a
only if the Ranch-Way Feeds site redevelops, in which case these improvements could be constructed and actual more direct and shorter crossing for pedestrians.
the railroad tracks would no longer be in place. Another development and available funding could require the City or In summary, the reader is advised that the design plans
example of this would be the proposed striping at the developers to take another approach. provided in this document are preliminary-level design
Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street intersection. This plan Preliminary Design Package only. Users of these plans need to consider geometric and
shows the pedestrian crossings being skewed to avoid these other design issues that are specific to the site that he/ she is
tracks, but, again, these tracks may or may not be in place It is also important to note that the design improvements designing.
when improvements to this intersection occur. These and contained within this document were taken to preliminary-
other such street design issues or changing physical level design only and should not be construed by the user of
characteristics within the area need to be resolved at the final these plans as being a final design product. This preliminary
design level. design identified only how the preferred alternative typical
sections could fit within the available rights-of-way. As such,
this design effort did not include vertical geometry nor did it
identify where toes of slope would match to existing ground.
The nature of redevelopment of the study area lends itself to
this approach, given that vertical geometry of many parcels
of land adjacent to the streets within the study area could
also change. Centerline elevations were matched as closely
as possible to minimize the impacts to existing ground
DOVVNTOWN RlIVER DISTRICT STIZEETSCAPE IMEPROVENMNTPROJECT
00#A 36
;IMLLL-
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY key project phases together and avoiding repetitive closures Basics" and others. Two of these funding sources have
and detours. already been applied for by project staff in an effort to
The implementation strategy is multi-faceted in terms of jumpstart infrastructure improvements in the area. These
The final product of this project is an infrastructure design two funding sources include transportation enhancement
aligning funds to accomplish the plan goals. The first facet of
plan with an enhanced vision for the River District. As such, this strategy is to determine what improvements (or portion funding to initiate streetscape improvements on Linden
the recommended strategy for plan implementation requires of improvements) in the River District can be paid for with Street and CMAQ funding for Jefferson Street.
the coordination of existing street standards, existing fee existing City funding mechanisms as development occurs. When funding sources are identified and committed to
programs, and the pursuit of various funding initiatives —
public & private — to achieve this enhanced vision. The second facet of the implementation strategy is to collect eligible street improvements, construction will occur in
in escrow from project developers at the time a property accordance with the proposed project phasing and in
An underlying tenet of this project is to prime the pump for redevelops, the equivalent number of dollars that would property
response to private market-driven forces.
infill and redevelopment by adequately planning the future
be
infrastructure needed to support the land-use goals for the required to improve the street and streetscape to the City's
existing street standards per the Larimer County Urban Area
River District. The recommended strategy for plan PRIORITIZED LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS
Street Standards. These funds could then be set aside and
implementation seeks to avoid the placement of cost for used as local cash match to leverage grant funds. This The impetus for this project was the increase in infill and
enhanced design features fully on either the public the practice of escrowing a developer's portion of the local street redevelopment interest that the City and the DDA have
private sector. The intent is to approach the implementation
tion has already been applied recently to several infill and responded to in recent years for parcels of land throughout
through a combined partnership among a diverse group of the River District. At the time of this report, several
redevelopment projects in the River District.
stakeholders over time to create the necessary infrastructure development applications have reached some stage of
and land uses envisioned for this important community This practice also ensures that the private sector is not fulfillment, ranging from inquiries about the development
area. Another tenet of this project is to build out the River subject to a financial disincentive, such as being asked to pay application process to submission of application documents
District infrastructure in a logical pattern reflecting the for the enhanced costs of the brick streets, mill race water to final construction and ribbon cutting. Some of these
short-term and long-range needs of the area and to avoid feature, etc. as compared with developers building projects development applications have included:
"piecemeal" construction of streetscape segments on the in other areas of the community. Rather, the private sector's
various sections of roadway in the project area. cost for redeveloping property in the River District would be ➢ Redevelopment of the Northside Aztlan Center (open
It is more desirable to construct the streetscape for various
proportional to the cost of developing elsewhere in the for business)
road segments at the same time and under the control of a municipal limits. ➢ Construction of the CTL Thompson building in place
single contractor, thereby eliminating physical gaps in the Lastly, project staff will continue to investigate and pursue a of the old train depot (open for business)
streetscape when properties redevelop at different times, wide variety of funding sources to cover the expense of the ➢ Willow Street Lofts (under construction)
and ensuring consistency and quality of construction. This "enhanced" features proposed in this project (brick streets,
approach also seeks to avoid the "first one in pays" concept, wider sidewalks, decorative lighting fixtures, street ➢ Interest in potential infill and redevelopment projects
and eliminate the undue burden on a private redevelopment furniture, transit stop enhancements, etc.). A matrix that for several other parcels throughout the River District
project to pay for the entire cost of the improvements on identifies the various funding sources is provided in the area
their block and then wait for adjacent properties to build and appendix of this report. Examples of funding sources The unpredictable nature of development activity, coupled
reimburse their investment. This approach also helps include federal transportation enhancement funds, with uncertainty in the economy, make scheduled
minimize business impacts during construction by targeting Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, implementation of the proposed improvements tricky to
local/ regional capital project initiatives such as "Building on predict at best. The next section of this report deals with
CollinsDONVNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT INWLENMNTATION STRATEGY
City of Fort 1 North Mason Street — FortCollins, • 80524 970.224.6140
Downtovvrn Development Auth• • • • Town Square - 230 — Fort Collins, CO : 1 970.484.2020
HDR Engineering — 19 Old Town Square — Suite 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524 — Tel 970.419.4388
BHA Design1603Oakridge • CO 80525120
implementation strategies that could help navigate the section that is shown on Page 15 . The street section would could include bulb-outs at the intersection, which would
proposed improvements recommended by this project over include two 12-foot travel lanes, five feet of width for a reduce the pedestrian crossing distance and enhance the
time as these market forces play out. Understanding the bicycle-way on each side of the street, diagonal parking on aesthetics of the crossing. The viability of this improvement
potential, logical prioritization of these improvements both sides of the street, and a 15-foot attached sidewalk on is predicated on the ultimate configuration of the Jefferson
provides a foundation for a solid implementation strategy each side of the street. Subsurface improvements beneath Street corridor. This project proposes narrowing Jefferson
that could be conducted in advance or concurrently with the Linden Street include a 42-inch storm drain and 54-inch Street from its current four-lane configuration to a three-lane
private sector efforts. This next section offers a potential stone drain, with laterals placed where required to collect configuration, thereby reducing the pavement width of
approach to prioritization of these improvements. surface flow. This line would outfall into the Poudre River Jefferson. Improvements to the UPRR crossing could include
Prioritization beneath the bridge at the northeast end of this stretch of such visual and safety enhancements as colored concrete,
roadway. This outfall would include high-flow stormwater, fencing and pedestrian gates.
Development of the prioritization plan that is proposed in for which direct flow into the river is considered acceptable.
this section is predicated on the ideal staging of surface Other pertinent design details include brick street
improvements. The ideal plan seeks to maximize the level of This phase was selected as Phase 1 because it provides an construction, thematic signage and lighting, transit stop
interaction between the burgeoning Old Town/ Downtown Immediate visual impact and physical connection for all improvements, and connections to pedestrian and bicycle
atmosphere and the energy that the DDA and City planning modes of transportation to the heart of Old Town/ facilities that link outside of the study area.
To enhance this effect
efforts have sought to cultivate in the River District. This Downtown with the River District. Phase 2 - Intersection of Willow Street and Linden Street
requires providing attractions to visitors in Old Town/ pedestrian mobility improvements would also be made to
the Jefferson Street and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) This phase seeks to construct the proposed intersection
Downtown to want to migrate towards the River District,and ultimately vice versa. crossings that separate Old Town/ Downtown from the
River District. Improvements to the Jefferson Street crossi improvements at the Willow Street and Linden Street
Png intersection. The proposed improvements include a one-lane
As noted, this ideal focuses on surface improvements. modern roundabout with an inscribed diameter of 130 feet.
Subsurface improvements also require a level of
prioritization, but those priorities were considered
secondarily wherever possible. There certainly are instances
where subsurface priorities govern, but most of the
proposed prioritization falls under the guise of maximizing
orderly development of surface improvements.
The prioritization plan will be discussed in the following
paragraphs of this section. This plan is also displayed
graphically in Figure 2, Prioritization Plan, found on Page
22. —
Phase I - Linden Street
This phase seeks to construct the proposed street section
and all subsurface improvements along the Linden Street _..
alignment, from Jefferson Street to the Poudre River bridge. -
Street improvements include widening to the two-lane I +
CollinsDOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMIPROVEMIENT PROJECT INlEPLENMNTATION STRATEGY
City of Fort 1 North Mason Street - FortCollins, • 80524 970.224.6140
Downtovvm Development Auth• 19 • • Town Square - 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524970.484.2020
i
1 m
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4
I I
2
3 6
1
JCIlCl50❑ JII CCI
1 Linden Street, from Jefferson Street Pine Street, from Willow Street i & Willow Street, from Linden Street
to the Poudre River bridge to the United Way parking lot to Lincoln Avenue
® Willow Street and Linden Street Jefferson Street, from College Avenue Lincoln Avenue, from Jefferson Street
roundabout to Mountain Avenue (includes to the Poudre River bridge
roundabout at Mountain Avenue)
Q Willow Street, from College Avenue 8 Poudre Street (pedestrian mall) FigureZ
to Linden Street Prioritization Plan
(City of Fort Collins. Cl a l Prord •1'996)
AI PANY tl n nrowm R„'n rwml Smx j;v lmrrm'rnent• PnWL PnWa .115+26
DONVNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IM[PROVEM[ENT PROJECT INIPLENWNTATION STRATEGY
City of • • , 250 North Mason Street — Fort Collins, CO 80524970.224.6140
La M_
• - - _
The roundabout is intended as a preferred alternative to the street. Subsurface improvements beneath this stretch of currently convey stormwater to the Poudre River. The intent
four-way stop-control that also serves as a landmark entry Willow Street include a 36-inch storm drain that would tie is that this street would be constructed of brick.
feature that tells visitors that they are in the heart of the into the storm drain that would be constructed under Linden Phase 5 — Jefferson Street
River District. The aesthetics of the roundabout could also Street in Phase 1 .
serve as a location for cultural interpretive imagery and as This phase seeks to construct street and subsurface
This phase was selected as Phase 3 response the level of improvements al Jefferson Street from the west end of
an attraction for those who are participating in the events development activity that has occurred within the study p g
and shopping within Old Town/ Downtown and along the project to the east end, as well as to construct a two-lane
pp g g area. The redevelopment of the Northside Aztlan Center and
Linden Street, between Walnut Street and Jefferson Street. modern roundabout at the Jefferson Street/ Lincoln Avenue
the Lagunitas Companies' loft development, between Aztlan intersection. The proposed street section includes narrowing
Phase 3 — Willow Street, west of Linden Street and the Bas Bleu Theater, are the first of this activity. Given Jefferson Street from its current four-lane configuration to a
This phase seeks to construct street and subsurface the attractions that are the Azdan Center and Bas Bleu, three-lane section. The proposed street section would
improvements along Willow Street from the UPRR crossing improvements to this stretch of Willow Street would greatly include two 14-foot travel lanes, separated by a 14-foot
benefit the District and its users, primarily given that there
on the west end of the project to the Linden Street raised median/ center left-turn lane. The sidewalk is not
intersection. The street section includes two travel lanes that aren't any existing pedestrian or designated parking included within the right-of-way, so increased sidewalk
would be separated by diagonal parking in the center of the facilities along Willow Street. width opportunities would be driven by the desires of
section (ala College Avenue), bicycle lanes on each side of Other pertinent design details include brick street redevelopment that would occur along the corridor.
the street, parallel parking on both sides of the street, a 10- construction, thematic signage and lighting, transit stop
foot attached sidewalk along the southwest side of the street, improvements and an interpretive mill race that would be
and a 20-foot attached sidewalk along the northeast side of contained within the 20-foot sidewalk on the northeast side
of the street. At a width of three or four feet, the mill race
would be an interpretive water feature that seeks to capture
the history of Willow Street, which used to be a 37-foot wide
waterway that diverted water from the Poudre River, ""� i�w• `��
upstream of existing College Avenue, to run Auntie Stone's p^ _
�_. mill, which is located within the building structure of Ranch- [ ^
Way Feeds. This project would also seek to incorporate
signage along the mill race that would offer historical facts ' 11
+ • � jt:�
' about Auntie Stone and the original mill race.
Phase 4 — Pine Street
This phase would construct a "mixed-use" street facility that
�¢ accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicular traffic in 1
p` the same space. The street would include a 60-foot wide 1�'0
envelope, including sufficient width for vehicular traffic and
perpendicular on-street parking. This street would surface
drain all stormwater to Willow Street or through the United
Way parking facility and into the drainage chases that
CollinsDONVNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMIPROVENIENT PROJECT INWLENMNTATION STRATEGY
City of Fort 1 North Mason Street — FortCollins, • 80524 970.224.6140
Downtovvrn Development Auth• 19 • • Town Square - 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524970.484.2020
Elm
The roundabout would consist of two circulating lanes and intersection to Lincoln Avenue. This street section would be beneath Lincoln Avenue would have been constructed with
would have nearly a 200-foot inscribed diameter. The identical to the section on the west side of Linden Street, Phase 5 .
roundabout is considered integral to the success of with two travel lanes, center diagonal parking, bicycle lanes As with Phase 6, this phase was selected later in
narrowing Jefferson Street, due to the intersection's impact on each side of the street, parallel parking on both sides of prioritization due to a lack of known development interest
to street capacity. Traffic analyses revealed failing levels of the street, a 10-foot attached sidewalk along the southwest adjacent to this street.
service in future years due to the lack of capacity of the side of the street, and a 20-foot attached sidewalk along the
signal; installing a modern roundabout would alleviate this northeast side of the street. Subsurface improvements Phase 8 — Poudre Street
condition. As stated previously in this report, the City is beneath this stretch of Willow Street include a 30-inch storm This phase would construct a pedestrian/ bicycle only, brick
continuing to work with CDOT to explore an alternatives drain that would tie into the storm drain that would be alley way along the alignment of this existing alley section.
analysis process to evaluate traditional and modern constructed under Lincoln Avenue in Phase 5 . The street could include a 20-foot wide street that emulates
roundabout improvements for this intersection, as well as This phase was selected later in prioritization due to the pedestrian-focused brick streets in Europe and recent
design alternatives for Jefferson Street/ SH14 between lesser level of noted development interest in adjacent downtown alleyway improvement projects constructed by
College Avenue and Mountain Avenue. sections of the study area. the DDA. Surface drainage would be funneled to the center
This phase is the fifth phase due to its significance in Other pertinent design details include brick street of the street, with subsurface storm drains that tie into the
line beneath Linden Street.
improving business viability along Jefferson Street and construction, thematic signage and lighting, transit stop
pedestrian mobility connecting to and within the study area. improvements and the interpretive mill race described
Elements of Phase 1 , such as the curb bulb-outs at the above. This stretch of roadway would not realize the
intersection of Jefferson and Linden, may be dependent on proposed improvements in their entirety until
the success of narrowing Jefferson Street, so those Phase 1 redevelopment of the Ranch-Way Feeds site. This is due to
improvements may need to be delayed until Phase 5. the need to maintain railroad spur access to the facility and
Subsurface improvements would include a 42-inch storm the presence of the tracks would inhibit construction of the
drain between Pine Street and Linden Street and between section. However, some street improvements along this
Chestnut Street and Lincoln Avenue. segment of Willow Street could be constructed along with
Subsurface improvements contained within Phase 5 would
the sidewalk and streetscape improvements along the south
side of Willow prior to any changes at the Ranch-way Feeds
likely also include storm drain improvements beneath t; . i
Lincoln Avenue and from Lincoln Avenue to the Poudre site. 7
River and Udall Natural Area. Stormwater conveyance Phase 7 — Lincoln Avenue i
beneath Jefferson Street is bound for the Udall Natural Area
This phase would construct street improvements along
and, ultimately, the Poudre River, thus requiring more storm Lincoln Avenue from Jefferson Street to the Poudre River
drain construction than what will be beneath Jefferson bridge. The proposed street section includes two 12-foot
Street. This condition would exist independent of the travel lanes, a raised median, bicycle lanes on each side of
preferred intersection control at Jefferson and Lincoln. the street, an attached sidewalk on the north side of the
Phase 6 — Willow Street, east of Linden Street street and a detached sidewalk on the south side of the
This phase seeks to construct street and subsurface street. It is anticipated that subsurface improvements
improvements along Willow Street from the Linden Street
CollinsCity of Fort 1 North Mason Street — FortCollins, • 80524 970.224.6140
Downtovvm Development Auth• 19 • • Town Square - 230 — Fort Collins, CO 80524970.484.2020
0112 T ;dEl I .- .
At the time of this report, the City and the DDA were The total cost for the "basic" level of the proposed street PROJECT ACTION ITEMS
successful in securing federal grant funding from CDOT and improvements is $ 13 .6 million. This number includes the Paramount to successful implementation of this project will
the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization "basic" urban design features for all streets within the study be the satisfaction of specific action items to be taken by City
to begin Phases 1 and 5 . Street enhancement funding was area and the necessary stormwater improvements. The total and DDA staff. These action items are listed below:
granted to begin Linden Street improvements in 2009 and cost for the "enhanced" level of the proposed improvements
CMAQ funding was approved for the design phase of the is $ 17.5 million. This number includes the "basic" cost 1 . Actively pursue future grant funding opportunities
Jefferson Street/ SH14 improvements. At the time of this estimate plus the additional dollars for "enhanced" urban from a wide variety of potential sources to build the
report, the City, DDA, and CDOT are still exploring options design features. It should be noted that these costs were recommended improvements;
for conducting the alternatives analysis process for Jefferson developed using Year 2007 unit costs. 2. Explore short-term and long-range parking strategies;
Street/ SH14. A final determination on the next steps for this
project will likely be determined in mid-2008. As such, the 17 3. Conduct hi inventory and assessment of available
CMAQ grant could accelerate components of Phase 5 to land within the city limits and sal businesses
or Growth
Management Area boundary for industrial
occur prior to Phases 2, 3 and 4. This scenario speaks to the
variability that prioritization of the recommended wishing to relocate out of the River District and,
improvements could experience as the study area 4. Support the implementation of the UniverCity
redevelops and as various public funding resources become Connections recommendations for the River District,
available. particularly the wayfmding/ information system
improvements and new transit loop to link the project
PROJECT COSTS ■ Total Cost of Project Elements ("Basic" design features) area to/ from downtown and the surrounding areas.Preliminary-level design cost estimates were developed for G Total Cost of Project Elements ( "Enhanced" design features)
each element of the project. The costs of each element were ■ Total Added Cost from "Enhanced" Design Features It is important to keep in mind that the timing of the actual
combined and a total cost for the proposed improvements is construction of the recommended improvements will be
provided in this section. The detail associated with each determined based on available funding sources and
element of the project can be found in the appendix. development activity within the project area. However, it is
necessary for the City and the DDA to work proactively over
The costs were developed using the preliminary-level design the next few years to help encourage and support the
as the basis. The most notable aspect of the costs that were exciting transformation of the Downtown River District!
developed for this project involve the calculation of "basic"
urban design features versus "enhanced" urban design
features. The concept of "basic" urban design features
includes those street features that you would find along
most streets in Fort Collins (adequate sidewalks, street
lighting, asphalt or concrete streets, etc.). The concept of
"enhanced" urban design features includes street elements
that are more typically found in Old Town, as well as some
additional design features that were developed specifically
for this project (wide sidewalks, thematic lighting, brick
streets, etc.).
CollinsDOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
City of Fort 1 North Mason Street — FortCollins, • 80524 970.224.6140
Downtovvrn Development Auth• • • • Town Square - 230 — Fort Collins, CO : 1 970.484.2020
U ' Engineering • • Town Square — Suite 242 — Fort Collins, CO 80524Tel 1 '
ATTACHMENT
Transportation Board
Gary Thomas, Chair
City of Fort Collins
May 27, 2008
Mayor Hutchison and Members of City Council:
On May 21, 2008 the Transportation Board heard the final report on the Downtown River District
Streetscape Improvement Project. By a vote of 8 to 1,the Transportation Board recommends that
City Council adopt the recommendations of the project subject to the following comments:
Design Elements: While the majority of the board supports the overall design of the district
streetscapes,there remain a lot of specific details of design that are yet to come. For example,the
concept of a roundabout at the intersection of Jefferson and Mountain Avenue sounds like a good
idea. However, discussions with CDOT and designing in the railroad tracks on one side are not
completed. The Transportation Board would want to participate in final discussions on the design
before endorsing that element as such. Similar issues exist throughout the district.
Protection of the River: While the river itself is not a transportation element, design of road,
pedestrian, and parking facilities will have storm water impacts. The program makes note of the
Poudre River Enhancement Project and the Transportation Board adds its emphasis that
discharges must be adequately, if not over-designed to prevent degradation of the
environmentally sensitive river.
Event Parking: The document presented to the Transportation Board remarks that there is
adequate parking in the district now for current use(Page 6). It is noted that during major events
at existing venues there is considerable overflow parking along the streets, and the addition of
other planed venues with major events(e.g. the contemplated music venue at the Oxbow
property)could further clog the surrounding streets. A combination of additional off street
parking, special event transit, and improved bike and pedestrian access should be considered
against the peak-load of multiple simultaneous events.
Objection to the program: The nay vote was cast by a member concerned that the overall
program has a predominate automobile focus and does not treat alternative modes of transit,
bicycle and pedestrian adequately.
As usual,the Transportation staff put considerable effort into this project with many outreach and
community involvement events. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
I would be happy to discuss this recommendation more if desired.
Gary D. Thomas
Chair, Transportation Board
ATTACHMENT
DDA Minutes
June 5,2008
Page 3
RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
Kathleen Bracke,John Sayer and Bruce Hendee presented the fmal draft of the Downtown River District
Improvement Project Plan. The document includes a summary of the project process, an infi•astructure
needs assessment,preferred design alternatives, and a phasing and implementation strategy. The plan has
received a recommendation for City Council approval from both the Planning and Zoning Board and the
Transportation Advisory Board. Staff recommended the Board take two actions on this matter. First the
Board was asked to accept the plan and recommend Council approval of the final draft. Second,the Board
was asked to appropriate funds,which had been budgeted but not appropriated or allocated,in the amount
of$1,500,000 for the design,administration and construction of improvements on Linden Street, a Willow
and Linden roundabout,and a roundabout at Jefferson Street and Mountain Avenue,which is to be
leveraged with the City's CMAQ grant and in collaboration with CDOT and the North Front Range MPO.
About one-third of the funds would be used at each of the three locations. (Kathay Rennels left the meeting
before the vote on this matter)
Moved by Mr.Sears,seconded by Mr. Keiffer: To approve the River District Plan as accepted and
recommend City Council approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Moved by Mr.Keiffer,seconded by Mr.Brelig: To approve the appropriation of$1,500,000 to be
allocated to the River District Plan as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNITY MARKET PROJECT—WALLACE CENTER GRANT
The Community Market project planning team is seeking a local bash match for a Wallace Center grant
application. The grant would provide funds to conduct a feasibility study and public involvement process
to examine the agricultural production and dlistribution system in Northern Colorado. The total project
budget is$85,000. The grant request is$30,000. A local$10,000 in kind contribution has been gi y
the Local Living Economy Project. Staff requests a commitment from the Board in the mnoun 3Q000
as a local cash match in anticipation of the project team using the DDA conunitment as see acquire an
additional$15,000 in local contributions.
Moved by Mr.Ohlson,seconded by Mr.Sears: To approve a cash match in th nount of$30,000
for the Wallace Center grant for the community market project to look at tl roducer network
system and authorize the DDA to enter into an IGA to transfer the funds fie City for
administration of funds. The motion passed unanimously.
HOTEL
There will be a joint work session with City Council on July 22nd here is a tentative financial agreement
that will have to be approved.
AMPHITHEATER SITE SELECTION PROCES
HOK Venues was present to explain the site selec • process and ask for Board recommendation of a site
for the amphitheater to City Council. Susan S r of Crossroads Consulting first spoke about the
economic feasibility of a downtown amphi ter and the factors that will have an hnpact, both positive
and negative. She also discussed possi operating structure. Ms. Sieger noted that the next steps are to
refine the program,estimator the uti .. on,project revenues and expenses,outline the economic and fiscal
benefits,prepare a funding anal ,and surmnarize those findings.
David Gruesel and Tom iams of HOK discussed the site selection process and how they arrived at the
top locations. The J ce Center site came out first overall but Chestnut Street and Poudre Valley
Creamery sites a ad high ratings. Many factors were considered including access to public
transportatio ccessibility,current ownership,proximity to parking and residential buildings andvisibility.
ATTACHMENTS
Transportation Services
Transportation Planning
City of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 25, 2006
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Darin Attebeny, City Manager
Don Bachman, Interim Transportation Services Executive Director
Mark Jackson,Transportation Planning&Policy Director
From: Kathleen Bracke, Senior Transportation Planner
Matt Robenalt, Project Manager,Downtown Development Authority
Re: Downtown River District Transportation & Utility Design Project
October 24, 2006-City Council Work Session Summary
The goal of the Downtown River District Transportation&Utility Design Project is to develop
innovative and exciting infrastructure improvements for this emerging area of our downtown
community. The challenge presented to the joint City/DDA project design team was to"think
big"and find creative and welcoming treatments to serve existing and future businesses, cultural
venues, residents, and visitors. Primary objectives include creating a pedestrian-friendly
atmosphere with ample on-street parking and attractive streetscapes.
The intent of the City Council Work Session was to share the current status of this project,
including the extensive feedback our team has received from the community on the proposed
draft alternative concepts for the streets, intersections,transit, and parking options. The dialogue
with Council was very informative for our project team and will help us shape the next steps of
our project development process.
Based upon feedback received from Council and the community,the project team will refine the
designs for the various selected alternatives for each street and intersection. The selection of the
preferred alternative for each street will be based on the satisfaction that each alternative provides
for the goals of the project and the needs of the community. The project goals include improving
pedestrian mobility, providing adequate parking supply(on-street and off-street), preservation of
historic integrity of the project area and satisfaction of stakeholder needs. In addition to the
previous community outreach, the staff team is also scheduled to provide a project presentation to
the City's Land Conservation& Stewardship Board on November 81"and to the Parks&
Recreation Board on November 291h. Feedback from these organizations will also be incorporated
into our project design efforts.
Regarding the concerns for adequate measures to ensure quality design, standards will be a focal
point of this project's final product, referred to as the"Framework Plan."The Framework Plan
will include design standards for the street section of each roadway, design standards for certain
streetscape elements(street furniture, lighting, landscaping materials, etc.), and design guidelines
for streetscape implementation(designated dimensions for outdoor cafes, placement of
landscaping, etc.). This Framework Plan will work in concert with the City's adopted Land Use
Code, including the specific requirements for Downtown River District, to ensure quality private
sector development as well as public infrastructure improvements.
The unique "mill race"feature for Willow Street is an idea that was brought into the project from
the Beet Street concept and the idea has been well received by the public. The design of the mill
race(dimensions, water source, circulation, etc.)will be determined during the future detailed
design phase of this project. To more succinctly describe the "mill race"concept, staff has
requested that Bruce Hendee of BHA Design, prepare a brief summary for Council. Bruce is a
member of our project's design team. Staff will provide this summary to Council within the next
few weeks.
Over the next several months,the design team will develop detailed cost estimates for each
selected alternative. In addition,the team will compose a recommended prioritized phasing plan
to implement the many improvement projects for this area. Implementation of the improvements
will likely be done over time as various financial resources become available from a blend of
public and private sources. There are at least four funding sources that could provide resources
for the construction of the improvements identified in the Framework Plan. These sources include
developers of land within the project area, the Downtown Development Authority, the City
(through a future capital improvement program like Building on Basics or other funding streams)
and potential grant funding. The City and the DDA will investigate all avenues for funding these
improvements.
The design details and financial data that will be developed by our project team over the next
several months can be used by City Council and the Downtown Development Authority as part of
the final decision making process for the project. Staff anticipates bringing several frequent
project updates to Council over the next several months as the project progresses as well as
bringing the final product to Council and the Downtown Development Authority for approval in
March/April 2007.
Attachments:
1. Agenda Item Summary
Transportation Services
Transportation Planning
City of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 18, 2007
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Mark Jackson, Interim Transportation Services Executive Director
From: Kathleen Bracke, Interim Transportation Planning Director
Matt Robenalt, Project Manager, Downtown Development Authority
Re: Downtown River District Design Project Update
June 12,2007 -City Council Work Session Summary
The goal of the Downtown River District Design Project is to develop innovative and exciting
infrastructure improvements for this emerging area of our downtown community.
The intent of the City Council Work Session was to share the current status of this project,
including the proposed recommendations and cost estimates for the streetscapes, intersections,
transit, and parking options.
The feedback from Council was very positive and will be helpful to our project team as we
complete the finishing touches on our project.
Based upon feedback received from Council and the community,the project team will refine the
designs for the various improvements. It is important that all of the River District improvements
are designed to be environmentally sensitive, while creating an exciting and inviting community
destination that celebrates Fort Collins' rich history and works for the current business/property
owners as well as supports the future economic development visions.
Implementation of the proposed River District improvements is very important. Staff from the
City and Downtown Development Authority (DDA)will continue to actively work together to
secure various financial resources from a blend of public and private sources to bring the
transformation of the Downtown River District to life.
The final report for the Downtown River District Design Project will be presented to the DDA
Board and to the City Council for approval in August 2007.
For more information and updates regarding the Downtown River District project,please visit our
project website: http://fcaov.com/riverdistrict/
Attachments:
1. Agenda Item Summary
RESOLUTION 2008-071
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING THE FINAL DRAFT REPORT FOR
THE DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City, having engaged
the consulting team of HDR Engineering and BHA Design,jointly developed the Downtown River
District project for the purpose of addressing existing deficiencies and the lack of sufficient public
infrastructure to support infill development and redevelopment in the Downtown River District Area;
and
WHEREAS, the project included extensive public involvement by interested citizens,
property and business owners, various boards and commissions of the City, the DDA and the
Downtown Business Association,the Colorado Department of Transportation and other entities;and
WHEREAS, the City's Transportation Board and Planning & Zoning Board and the DDA
Board have approved the Final Draft Report for the Downtown River District Project and have
recommended it to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, in addition to identifying needed transportation and utility improvements for
the Downtown River District area, the report also addresses potential funding and implementation
strategies for recommended streetscape improvements, parking and transit service enhancements;
and
WHEREAS,the Downtown River District improvements present an exceptional opportunity
to showcase the City's rich cultural heritage and to celebrate the beauty of the natural environment
as well as to achieve the visions and goals set forth by City Plan, the Downtown River Corridor
Implementation Program and the recommendations from the"UniverCity Connections"partnership;
and
WHEREAS,the Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that the Final
Draft Report for the Downtown River District project be approved.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Final Draft Report for the Downtown River District project, dated August 1,
2008, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, is hereby approved.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 19th
day of August A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk