HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/10/2016 - OLD TOWN PLANNING PROJECTSDATE:
STAFF:
March 10, 2016
Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager
Pete Wray, Senior City Planner
Seth Lorson, City Planner
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Old Town Planning Projects.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to provide an update on the progress of three long-range planning projects that are
taking place simultaneously in the greater Old Town Area. Updates will be provided for the Downtown Plan, Old
Town Neighborhoods Plan, and the Old Town Neighborhood Design Guidelines. The last City Council update on
these ongoing projects was provided at the August 11, 2015 Work Session.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Given the work to date, are there additional issues that should be addressed?
2. Is there additional public engagement needed?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
DOWNTOWN PLAN
The new Downtown Plan will replace the successful 1989 Downtown Plan, with a new plan for the next 10-20
years. The 1989 plan has guided budgets, projects, investments, regulations, and other actions for 25 years. Its
mission has been achieved and its recommendations largely fulfilled. Downtown’s r evitalization results from
countless decisions on several hundred million dollars’ worth of investments and actions by the public and
private sectors meeting constant challenges and risks within a unifying vision and framework.
Project Approach
The project is being driven by public involvement, with the aim of a truly community-based plan with broad
awareness and understanding among a complete range of interests.
The process is organized around six topic areas:
Arts and Culture (Creative Industries)
Operations and Management
Energy and Environment
Market and Economy
Transportation and Parking
Urban Design
Working Groups
Six corresponding Working Groups guide the development of the new Plan. These groups consist of technical
specialists, City staff, and key stakeholders relevant to each topic area. The groups are led by a City Staff
member and facilitated by another group member with special expertise and interest.
March 10, 2016 Page 2
Timeline and Plan Status to Date
Given the recent spike in development submittals and resulting staff workload, the timeline for Downtown Plan
adoption has been extended approximately three months beyond the original targeted completion date of August
2016. It is anticipated that the draft Plan document will be available for public review by the end of the summer
with adoption in the fall.
Public Engagement
Over the past six months since the last work session, the second phase (Visioning) has been completed and the
third phase (Choices and Strategies) is almost complete. Staff has interacted with over a dozen boards and
commissions, the aforementioned working groups, and hundreds of residents and visitors. The following is an
overview of our engagement efforts since last August:
Public Events:
- NewWest Fest Visioning Event
- Open Streets Event Parking Survey
- City Comforts Workshop
- 2-Day Vision Design Charrette
- Downtown/OTN Transitions Workshop
- UrbanLab First Friday Gallery Walk event
- Community Choices Open House
- Community Choices Workshop # 1
- Community Choices Workshop # 2
- Online Survey
- Textizen Survey
- Community Groups
- Studio 14 Downtown Plan video
- Working Group Members
- Working Group Meetings
- City Boards and Commissions (# visits to date):
o Affordable Housing Board (1)
o Air Quality Advisory Board (1)
o Art in Public Places Board (2)
o Bicycle Advisory Committee (1)
o Commission on Disability (2)
o Downtown Development Association (5)
o Downtown Business Association (5)
o Economic Advisory Commission (1)
o Energy Board (1)
o Human Relations Commission (1)
o Landmark Preservation Commission (1)
o Natural Resources Advisory Board (1)
o Parking Advisory Board (5)
o Parks and Recreation Board (1)
o Planning and Zoning Board (8)
o Senior Advisory Board (1)
March 10, 2016 Page 3
o Transportation Board (2)
o Water Board (1)
o Super Board Meeting (Multiple Boards and Commissions represented) (1)
Summary of Phase 2: Visioning
The focus of the Visioning Phase was to develop draft vision statements supported by preliminary strategies to
achieve the vision for each topic area. These were to then to be vetted with the public in Phase 3. The draft vision
and strategies structured the conversation on next steps – how to effectively weigh tradeoffs and priorities so that
the vision can be put into action.
A key result of Phase 2 was the identification of 11 different character districts within the overall Downtown Plan
area. This recognizes and clarifies the distinctions between various parts that make up the whole of downtown.
The Phase 2 summary report is included as Attachment 1.
Phase 3: Choices and Strategies
Alternative concepts related to the topic areas are being explored during Phase 3. The concepts will be applied
and fitted to the 11 character districts as appropriate. Concepts are being evaluated using public outreach,
sustainability assessments, and technical analyses. Options represent difficult choices and tradeoffs with respect
to costs and benefits, be they financial, social or environmental.
The following list of key issues provided a focus at recent community choices public outreach events. While the
list is not exhaustive, it is indicative of some of our most pressing challenges:
Operation and Maintenance
Where should pedestrian enhancements and maintenance expand next? Which Improvements would be
most important?
Arts and Culture
What should the City’s role be in the support of creative industries?
Market and Economy
What kinds of incentives make sense for downtown? How do we resolve the tension between what we
desire and what we are willing to pay for?
Transportation
How should we encourage people to park in the most appropriate locations based on the length of stay?
Where should bicycle parking be located?
Energy and Environment
Which Climate Action Plan (CAP) strategies should be prioritized Downtown? How do we best achieve
specific CAP strategies?
Urban Design
How should we design buildings that are consistent with the desired character? Which street design
elements are most important?
Next Steps- Downtown Plan Development and Implementation Program
Following completion of Phase 3, the Downtown Plan document will be drafted, including key implementation
actions. Recommendations regarding the allocation of time, effort, and resources will be developed so that the
Plan can be readily be put into practice. As policies, programs and investment priorities emerge during this phase;
a consultant will assist staff in assessing capabilities of the public and private sectors to carry out initiatives to
continue Downtown’s success under the new plan.
March 10, 2016 Page 4
OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOODS PLAN
The Old Town Neighborhoods Plan is a combined update of the 1986 East Side Neighborhood Plan and the 1989
West Side Neighborhood Plan. The Old Town Neighborhoods generally encompass the predominantly residential
neighborhoods to the west and southeast of Downtown. The purpose of the planning effort is to update the
neighborhood vision, explore ongoing and emerging trends, and update policy direction, with a focus on
neighborhood character, land use, transportation, and sustainability. In conjunction with the Plan, this effort also
includes an assessment of the Mulberry Street and Shields Street corridors for feasibility of integrating bike and
pedestrian improvements.
Timeline and Plan Status to Date
At a previous City Council Work Session in August 2015, staff presented details on the trends, issues, and
opportunities identified by stakeholders during early public outreach. Since the prior update, the draft
neighborhood vision was developed and ongoing planning efforts are now focused on identifying potential plan
framework options, strategies, and policies.
Given the recent spike in development submittals and resulting staff workload, the timeline for the Old Town
Neighborhood Plan adoption has been extended approximately three months beyond the original targeted
completion date of May 2016. It is anticipated that the draft Plan document will be available for public review by
summer with adoption in September.
Public Engagement
Outreach for the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan have been targeted primarily at stakeholders living and working
within the two neighborhoods. Community discussions have been incorporated into the process with an online
questionnaire and public workshop this past fall. The following list provides an overview of engagement events
and activities to date for the planning process since last summer:
- Neighborhood Night Out
- Neighborhood Visioning Photo Contest
- Visioning & Choices/Options Online Questionnaires
- Remington Open Streets Event
- City Park Food Truck Rally
- Old Town Neighborhoods Plan / Downtown Plan Transitions Workshop
- Eastside & Westside Stakeholder Committee Meetings
- Choices & Options Workshop
- Neighborhood Postcard Mailings
- City Boards and Commissions
- Community Group Meetings
March 10, 2016 Page 5
Phase Two: Visioning
Developed with the input of project stakeholders, the Old Town Neighborhoods Vision reflects the values,
opportunities, and priorities for the neighborhoods as they relate to the key Plan topic areas of neighborhood
character, land use, transportation, and sustainability. The vision structure includes individual vision statements
supported by neighborhood values. The vision will be used to guide development of the Plan framework and
associated policies and programs.
As a mature, established area of the community, the neighborhood vision emphasizes the physical and
social/cultural elements of the neighborhoods that already make them a great place to live, and the desire to
celebrate and enhance defining neighborhood qualities such as a diversity of home sizes and styles, historic
resources and the connection to the community’s early history, mature landscaping, and proximity to downtown,
CSU, and the Poudre River. The full neighborhood vision is included as part of Attachment 2.
Phase Three: Plan Framework / Potential Land Use and Transportation Options / Strategies
The Old Town Neighborhoods Plan will include development of a framework plan to showcase potential land-use
and transportation changes and important policies and programs illustrating how the neighborhood vision will be
achieved. Attachment 3 includes the draft framework plan recently shared with the Old Town Neighborhoods
Plan Stakeholder Committee and highlights the following potential options and strategies shared at recent
outreach events. Attachment 4 includes a detailed description of options presented to date and a summary of
stakeholder input.
Land Use and Urban Design:
Land Use Designation Adjustments
Review designation of the Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (LMN) zoning enclaves surrounded by
neighborhood conservation zoning in the Westside Neighborhood.
Transition Buffer Area Design Standards
Explore potential design standards in the Neighborhood Conservation Buffer zone district bordering
downtown to enhance the compatibility and transition of development into the neighborhoods.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards
Examine current standards and requirements for accessory dwelling units, such as carriage houses, and
their impact on neighborhood affordability, aging-in-place, short term rentals, and overall neighborhood
compatibility.
New Design Guidelines for Existing Neighborhood Conservation Zones
Finalize the updated Old Town Neighborhoods Design Guidelines (shared at the August 2014 Work
Session) with recommendations on how to design contextual and compatible new homes and additions in
the Old Town Neighborhoods.
Transportation and Mobility:
Neighborhood Greenways
Select residential streets with low volumes of traffic and enhanced bike, pedestrian, and streetscape
amenities, such as the recently-completed Remington Greenway project. Neighborhood greenways align
with the Bicycle Master Plan low-stress network and the forthcoming Bicycle Wayfinding Master Plan
community routes.
Mulberry Street Alternatives
Explore potential enhancements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Traffic volumes on Mulberry
between City Park Avenue and Taft Hill Road may allow for lane restriping from 4 travel lanes to 2 travel
lanes and a center turn lane, along with buffered bike lanes and wider sidewalks. East of City Park
March 10, 2016 Page 6
Avenue, Magnolia Street could be utilized as a parallel route for bikes and pedestrians as a neighborhood
greenway. Attachment 5 highlights potential design elements of the Mulberry Street design.
Shields Street Alternatives
Explore potential enhancements to bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Traffic volumes on Shields
between Magnolia Street and Laporte Avenue may allow for lane restriping from 4 travel lanes to 2 travel
lanes and a center turn lane, along with buffered bike lanes and wider sidewalks. On Shields between
Mulberry Street and Laurel Street, a reduction in vehicle lane widths may allow for sidewalk widening as a
shared bike/pedestrian path. Attachment 5 highlights potential design elements and cross sections of the
Shields Street design.
Other Initiatives:
Climate Action Plan Implementation
Identify the specific role and impact the neighborhood study area can contribute to community Climate
Action Plan goals. Recognize the importance of building energy efficiency and multi-modal transportation
in the Old Town Neighborhoods and highlight available programs to support energy upgrades and
alternative transportation.
Support & Enhance Existing Programs
Continued support of existing City programs and policies that support the character and quality of life in
the Old Town Neighborhoods, including programs to maintain and fill gaps in the neighborhood tree
canopy, encouraging continued funding for the Sidewalk Improvement Program, Safe Routes to School,
and promotion of Historic Preservation’s Design Assistance Program. Continue to support neighborhood-
initiated requests for historic designations and inclusion in the Residential Parking Permit Program.
Next Steps - Plan Development and Implementation Program
Following completion of Phase 3, the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan document, including key implementation
actions, will emerge during the final phases of the project. Recommendations regarding the allocation of time,
effort, and resources will be identified so that the Plan can readily be put into practice. Ongoing outreach and
board and commission updates are planned throughout the spring and summer to gather additional input. Staff
anticipates presenting the final plan to City Council for consideration of adoption in late summer.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Downtown Plan: Phase 2 Summary (PDF)
2. Old Town Neighborhoods Plan: Phase 2 - Vision (PDF)
3. Old Town Neighborhoods Plan: Phase 3 - Plan Framework (PDF)
4. Old Town Neighborhoods Plan: Summary of Options and Strategies Input (PDF)
5. Old Town Neighborhoods Plan: Transportation and Mobility Options (PDF)
6. Work Session Summary, August 11, 2015 (PDF)
7. Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
Downtown The Fort Collins Plan
Phase 2 Summary: A Renewed Vision October 2015
ATTACHMENT 1
2 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 3
About the Downtown Plan
The Fort Collins Downtown Plan serves as a guide
and inspiration for budgets, projects, programs,
investments, regulations and other efforts focused in
the downtown area. Adopted by City Council in 1989,
the previous plan helped shape the downtown as it
exists today. The new Downtown Plan is a partnership
with the Downtown Development Authority and the
Downtown Business Association and will update the
vision, policy direction, and action items for the next
10-20 years. In addition, the new Downtown Plan
will incorporate recently completed planning efforts
(e.g., the Poudre River Downtown Master Plan, the
citywide Pedestrian Plan, and the Bicycle Master
Plan) into a comprehensive plan for downtown Fort
Collins. When adopted, the Downtown Plan will serve
as the overarching policy document guiding private
development and public investment.
Process and Timeline
The process of developing the Downtown Plan consists of five interrelated phases, each with its own purpose
and objectives. The Downtown Plan will be closely coordinated with the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan, which
covers the residential areas to the west and south of downtown.
Phase 1:
Issues Identification
(Jan-May 2015)
Phase 2:
A Renewed Vision
(Jun-Sept 2015)
Phase 3:
Choices & Strategies
(Oct-Dec 2015)
Phase 4:
Document Development
(Jan-Mar 2016)
Phase 5:
Implementation &
Plan Adoption
(Apr-Jul 2016)
Downtown Plan Boundaries
Mountain Ave
Laporte Ave
Maple St
Cherry St
Laurel St
Mulberry St
Myrtle St
Riverside Ave
Poudre River
Magnolia St
Mason St
College Ave
Howes St
Meldrum St
Sherwood St
Lemay Ave
Whitcomb St
Olive St
Oak St
Old Town
4 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 5
Phase 2 began in June 2015 and concluded in
September 2015. The vision phase built on the
issues identified in phase 1 to determine what
downtown might look and feel like as issues
are addressed. The purpose of this phase was
to engage working groups, residents, visitors,
business owners, downtown employees, and
other stakeholders in creating a future vision for
downtown. The vision statements developed
in phase 2 help guide the selection of choices
and strategies for downtown, which will be
evaluated in phase 3 of the planning process.
PHASE 2:
A RENEWED
VISION FOR
DOWNTOWN
• Working Group
Meetings
• Character Districts
Design Charrette
• Presentations to
City Boards &
Commissions
• Presentations to
DDA, DBA, and other
community groups
• Colorado Brewer’s
Festival
• Downtown Walking
Tours
• “A New Vision for
Downtown” event
• Farmers’ Market
• Bohemian Nights at
NewWestFest
• Character Districts
Drop-In Open House
• “City Comforts with
David Sucher” event
• Website
• City Facebook and
Twitter feeds
• Nextdoor postings
• Online survey (Survey
Gizmo)
• Text message survey
(Textizen)
• Keypad polling
• Project email list
• DBA and business
email lists
• Posters, postcards,
and business cards
• Press releases
• fcgov.com
announcements
• Giveaway items
(stickers, tattoos, lip
balm, bike lights)
6 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 7
Downtown’s Future
Downtown Fort Collins today is at the core of
the City’s identity, serving both as a symbol of the
city’s best qualities and as the center of its public
and private life. Previous planning efforts have
been instrumental in achieving this success – the
downtown area has seen tremendous revitalization
over recent decades, and is recognized as one of the
most successful downtowns in the country. In order
to renew and sustain downtown’s success into the
future, a renewed downtown vision is needed.
The 2015 Downtown Plan offers a roadmap for the
protection of the qualities that have made downtown
successful, and for addressing issues that remain
or that have arisen, many of which result from
downtown’s success and growth. Anchoring the Plan
is a vision for downtown’s future. This vision will guide
the cooperation of public and private stakeholders on
the path toward an even more vibrant downtown.
.
Keys to the Vision
ACTIVE – AUTHENTIC – DISTINCTIVE – INNOVATIVE – INVITING
Downtown Fort Collins is…
Vision
Extensive public outreach and
discussion formed the basis to
develop vision statements that
guide plan goals, strategies and
implementation. Walking tours,
workshop events and a detailed
online survey shaped the vision.
Goals
In phase 1, key goals were
identified for each topic area.
In phase 2, respondents to the
online visioning survey were asked
to rank each goal in order of its
importance. The goals listed for
each topic area are presented in
ranked order.
Strategies
Strategies for achieving the goals
are a synthesis of hundreds of
suggestions from stakeholders
and attendees at public outreach
events. The effectiveness of the
strategies identified in this section,
as well as additional strategies that
emerge from the planning process,
will be explored further in phase 3.
Arts + Culture
Downtown
Management
Energy +
Environment
Market +
Economy
Transportation
+ Parking Urban Design
8 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 9
Arts + Culture
Vision
In 2035, downtown Fort Collins is the hub
of artistic and cultural activity in the City,
with a diverse range of creative and social
offerings that are accessible to many different
audiences. Local artists benefit from affordable
studio and live-work spaces in addition to
a variety of accessible and well-supported
venues. Vibrant social spaces and unique
cultural assets enrich the lives of residents,
the economic health of the downtown
area, and the experiences of visitors.
Formal and informal avenues for artistic
expression drive the evolution of culture
in the community.
Sculptures
Sidewalk art (ex: rain activated)
Street performers (busking)
Interactive (ex: light swings)
Light projection art
Graffiti art
Street musicians (busking)
3D murals
Very large murals
284 236 230
214 195 170
107 92 80
Phase 2 outreach – What public art would you like to see in downtown Fort Collins?
Attendees at the visioning event and participants in the online survey were asked to select types of public art
that would be appropriate in the downtown area. The most frequently selected options were sculptures, street
musicians, and interactive art installations. Note: Respondents could select up to three options; there were 574
individual respondents.
Goals (in ranked order): In Phase 1, five emerging priorities were identified for Arts + Culture. The visioning
survey for Phase 2 asked respondents to rank the emerging priorities in the order of their importance.
Create a culture of support for artists and creative people to maintain downtown vibrancy
Explore ways to support arts and culture with facilities, infrastructure, events, and funding
Make it easier for creative businesses to thrive downtown
Improve affordability of live/work and studio space for artists and creative people
Explore opportunities to incorporate more local art into downtown properties and businesses
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): Potential strategies to achieve the Arts + Culture
goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Establish a Creative Council that includes representatives from downtown’s arts and culture community
charged with strengthening this niche through marketing, events and resource development.
Create an Arts Coordinator position at the City that will support the Creative Council and be a central
organizer for arts groups, resource development and marketing efforts.
Support the effort to create a State certified Creative District that includes downtown Fort Collins, and
incorporate Creative District implementation efforts into the proposed Creative Council.
Explore opportunities for subculture expression through art, such as graffiti and street performance.
Promote and market the downtown arts and culture scene both locally and regionally, including the
development of events that showcase and celebrate arts and culture.
Explore the creation of an arts ambassador program similar to that in Boise, Idaho.
Develop an arts incubator space to foster local creativity and retain arts and culture in the downtown.
Explore the creation of a regional sales tax to support arts and culture similar to the Scientific and Cultural
Facilities District in Denver.
Explore ways to incentivize artisan work spaces and galleries in new development.
Develop a plan for better utilization of public spaces and alleys to support arts and culture related uses.
Create a public arts initiative that results in more visual arts installations throughout the downtown.
Continue the Art in Public Places program.
10 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 11
Downtown Management
Vision
Downtown Fort Collins
remains committed to high
quality maintenance and
administration. Downtown
continues to be a safe, clean,
and beautiful place to socialize,
recreate, and conduct business
for people of all ages and
backgrounds. Law enforcement
is predictable and comfortable for all
people. Homelessness has in particular been
addressed, balancing the rights and needs of all
groups. Daily life, business, and cultural events have
combined to strengthen the sense of community in the
downtown area.
Smartphones
Pedestrian info map
Pedestrian business directory
Avoid sign clutter
Banner system
Design/art theme sign style
Historic sign style
Use utility boxes/sidewalks
Gateway features
268 263 252
220 167 147
134 99 86
Phase 2 outreach – What types of wayfinding are most appropriate in the downtown area?
Attendees at the Downtown Plan Visioning Event and participants in the online survey were asked to select
types of wayfinding that would be appropriate in the downtown area. The most frequently selected options
were smartphone applications, avoiding sign clutter, and historic sign styles. Note: Respondents could select up
to three options; there were 574 individual respondents.
Goals (in ranked order): In phase 1, six emerging goals were identified for Downtown Management. The
visioning survey for phase 2 asked respondents to rank the goals in the order of their importance.
Maintain and improve pedestrian space to emphasize walkability and pedestrian priority
Address problematic behavior; maintain a sense of safety for all to be comfortable downtown
Work to address the needs of the homeless population & improve understanding of issues
Increase maintenance capabilities to keep up with growth
Balance the number and scale of events, activities, and promotions; avoid ‘large event fatigue’
Improve overall communications and messaging about downtown
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): Potential strategies to achieve the Downtown
Management goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Prioritize pedestrian spaces by adding detail to guidelines for encroachments onto downtown sidewalks.
Revisit the process for permitting sidewalk cafes and other potential obstructions.
Consider peripheral parking with shuttles or transit to downtown retail areas; incentivize resident,
employee and visitor use of parking garages to increase availability of on-street parking.
Maintain a permanent District One Police substation on the east side of the railroad tracks. Continue to
focus on quality of life, referral to services, and keeping the peace as primary policing strategies.
Form a funding partnership to hire an outreach coordinator who can develop and lead a downtown
outreach program for people experiencing homelessness.
Sustain the current level of maintenance in the historic core of the downtown area, investigate funding
sources to expand maintenance to other areas, and ensure a permanent Parks maintenance and storage
shop in a convenient downtown location.
Implement a scheduling system for events and festivals that will minimize street closures, spread out
large events, and offer a wide variety of activities for all downtown visitors.
Create a cohesive wayfinding strategy for the downtown area.
1
12 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 13
Energy + Environment
Vision
Downtown Fort Collins actively pursues sustainability
in all operations and in development. Downtown is
exemplary of city-wide climate protection efforts, having
incorporated innovative technologies for responsible
conservation and energy production. From anywhere
downtown, people can easily access the Poudre
River, parks, and natural areas. The presence
of nature is felt even in downtown’s most
urban spaces, as it is cultivated as an
essential amenity. Recreational access
to nature is balanced with the need
to preserve and protect natural
resources, while stormwater
management and utility
infrastructure ensures
existing and future needs
are met.
Street tree canopy
Trail/path
Green roof
Plaza
Community garden
Wetland area
Pocket park
Living wall
Planted courtyard
293 250 242
190 165 160
155 107 87
Phase 2 outreach – Which improvements are most appropriate for incorporating more nature into the
downtown area?
Attendees at the Downtown Plan Visioning Event and participants in the online survey were asked to select
improvements that could incorporate more nature into the downtown area. The most frequently selected
improvements were street tree canopy, plazas, and pocket parks. Note: Respondents could select up to three
options; there were 574 individual respondents.
Goals (in ranked order): In phase 1, five emerging goals were identified for Energy + Environment. The
visioning survey for phase 2 asked respondents to rank the goals in the order of their importance.
Connect to and protect the Poudre River Corridor and other unique natural resources.
Pursue and support innovative energy and environmental projects.
Incorporate nature and opportunities to escape the urban environment into existing and
new development.
Enhance downtown’s capacity to manage stormwater and flooding.
Showcase and celebrate energy innovation and environmental stewardship.
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): A number of potential strategies to achieve the
Energy + Environment goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Support the implementation of the Poudre River Downtown Master Plan, including trail connections,
habitat protection areas, recreational opportunities, community gathering places, and educational
opportunities.
Balance development along the Poudre River to ensure that the river continues to offer natural habitat,
flood protection, and other ecological benefits.
Explore incentives and regulations to encourage innovative energy projects in new development.
Examples of eligible projects could include rooftop solar, electric vehicle charging, low impact
development, green roofs, and living walls.
Create a program to encourage energy-efficiency for existing buildings and historic buildings.
Explore new approaches to waste management, including shared facilities, increased opportunities for
recycling and composting, waste to energy conversion, and more.
Encourage or require sustainable building materials for new development and public amenities.
14 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 15
Attendees at the visioning event and participants to the online survey were asked to select types of live/work
space that would be appropriate in the downtown area. The most frequently selected options were apartments
over stores, lofts above workshop/retail space, and lofts above workshop space. Note: Choices varied more by
image than title. There were 534 individual respondents.
Phase 2 outreach – What is the best way to provide joint living and working opportunities downtown?
Market + Economy
Vision
Downtown Fort Collins is the economic engine for the region and one
of the most distinctive small downtowns in the nation. Downtown has
become a diverse employment center where retail, finance, government,
and services thrive. Residents and visitors experience downtown as a center
for creativity featuring a wide variety of unique retail shops, high-quality
dining and entertainment options, and a strong local business community.
A broad range of housing types is available to meet the needs of diverse age
groups, lifestyles, and incomes. Downtown is also recognized as a center
for innovation, where businesses partner with Colorado State University to
advance knowledge-based industries.
Apartment over a store
Loft above flex space
Loft above workshop
Loft above workshop/retail
Apartment above workshop
Loft with ground-level office
Loft above workshop
Housing above/behind office
Housing between office space
293 266 226
199 168 124
101 57 56
Goals (in ranked order):In phase 1, five emerging goals were identified for Market + Economy. The visioning
survey for phase 2 asked respondents to rank the goals in the order of their importance.
Help independent, local, and small businesses survive downtown
Encourage affordability of housing and commercial space, both for rent and purchase
Develop strategies to ensure available, accessible, and adequate parking
Maintain emphasis on high-quality development while making approval processes easier
Develop financial and other incentives to create public-private partnerships downtown
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): A number of potential strategies to achieve the
Market + Economy goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Explore the feasibility of subsidies, incentives, or other financial tools to help small businesses afford
rental rates in the downtown area.
Investigate opportunities to establish a retail business incubator program that could provide business
development services, technical assistance, and general business support.
Encourage density in key areas downtown (for example, the Mason corridor) to increase the supply of
housing and commercial space.
Examine potential financial or other incentives for new developments that agree to provide affordable
housing and commercial space.
Consider a range of options for on-street paid parking, while encouraging longer-term users to utilize
parking garages. Develop a coordinated approach with the Transportation + Parking topic area.
Clarify land use code requirements for new and infill development so that the development process is
predictable and consistent. Streamline routine processes where possible.
Expand investment from the historic core into other parts of the downtown area by creating new
Business Improvement Districts, General Improvement Districts, or other potential funding mechanisms.
Investigate a contingency plan for the expiration of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) by
identifying alternative organization structures that will continue to promote the DDA’s existing mission.
1
1
1
1
2
16 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 17
Transportation + Parking
Vision
Downtown Fort Collins is easily, comfortably, and safely accessed and
navigated by multiple modes of transportation. Pedestrian mobility is
improved and continues to be a strong emphasis. The transit network,
including stops, has grown significantly, and there are low-stress, safe,
comfortable options for biking. Vehicular accessibility is maintained,
and parking for cars and bicycles is adequate and available. Overall,
the transportation system supports the sustainability and social,
economic, and environmental vibrancy of downtown.
Goals (in ranked order): In phase 1, five emerging goals were identified for Transportation + Parking. The
visioning survey for phase 2 asked respondents to rank the goals in the order of their importance.
Continue to improve conditions for walking and biking
Create better connections for all modes of travel throughout the downtown area
Develop strategies to ensure adequate parking downtown
Examine opportunities to improve convenience of MAX, buses and other transit service
Investigate innovative ways to reduce parking demand
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): A number of potential strategies to achieve the
Transportation + Parking goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Create a low-stress bicycle network throughout the downtown area by implementing recommendations
from the Bicycle Master Plan (2014).
Improve key intersections and add missing sidewalks for the safety and comfort of bicyclists and
pedestrians.
Investigate opportunities to create more car-free areas on a temporary or permanent basis.
Add more transit service, including new routes and expanded service frequency/hours on existing routes.
Improve circulation and access for buses at the Downtown Transit Center.
Implement car share and bike share programs.
Explore opportunities for a downtown circulator to connect MAX, parking garages, and key activity
centers.
Consider a range of options for on-street paid parking, while encouraging longer-term users to utilize
parking garages. Add more bike parking at strategic locations. (See next page)
Examine options for communicating real-time travel information, such as where parking is currently
available, time until the next bus or MAX service, etc.
Look for opportunities to create park-n-rides outside of downtown and provide supporting transit
service into the downtown area.
Protected bike lane - planters
Buffered bike lane
Shared use path
Bike lane with green paint
Two-way protected bike lane
Conventional bike lane
Protected bike lane - delineators
Neighborhood greenway
Raised protected bike lane
307 263 181
171 163 127
106 94 92
Phase 2 outreach – Which bikeways are most appropriate for downtown Fort Collins?
Attendees at the Downtown Plan Visioning Event and participants in the online survey were asked to select
bikeways that would be appropriate in the downtown area. The most frequently selected options were bike
lanes protected with planters, bike lanes with green paint, and bike lanes protected with delineators. Note:
Respondents could select up to three options; there were 543 individual respondents.
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
18 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 19
ttt
2 HOURS
FREE
(then paid)
1 HOUR
FREE
(then paid)
FREE
PARKING
30 MIN.
FREE
(then paid)
TIME-
LIMITED
PARKING
(THEN LEAVE)
20 MIN.
FREE
(then paid)
PAID
PARKING
Provides two-hour, free on-street
parking with enforcement
Provides a moderate
amount of free
on-street parking
Preserves a limited
amount of free
on-street parking
Promotes turnover
Does not provide any
free on-street parking
Promotes turnover
Fort Collins
Boulder
Missoula
Sioux Falls
Eugene
On-Street Parking Management
Strategies
Garage Parking Management
Strategies
FREE PARKING
PAID PARKING
FIRST HOUR FREE
Provides all day, free off-street parking
Offers a viable alternative to on-street
parking
Attractive to both short- and long-term
parkers
Provides a moderate amount of
free off-street parking
Attractive to both short- and long-
term parkers
Does not provide
any free off-street parking
Less attractive for short-term
parkers
Boulder
20 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 21
Urban Design
Vision
Downtown Fort Collins embraces its rich heritage of design by preserving
existing historic structures and creating new buildings that merit
designation as future landmarks. A variety of distinct character
districts are recognizable within the downtown, each evoking
a unique sense of place. Streets, sidewalks and common
public spaces are attractive and inspire feelings of comfort.
Transition sequences between downtown and the
surrounding neighborhoods, as well as between
different character districts, are seamless.
Downtown gateways provide an inviting sense
of arrival.
Brownstone units
Stacked units
Four-plexes
Loft units
Row houses
Townhouses
Attached single-family units
Apartments
Attached single units
292 227 209
197 183 137
114 73 60
Phase 2 outreach – Which housing types would be most appropriate in the downtown area?
Respondents to the Online Visioning Survey and attendees at the Downtown Plan Visioning Event were asked
to select types of housing that would be appropriate in the downtown area. The most frequently selected
options were brownstone units, loft units, and attached single-family units. Note: Respondents could select up
to three options; there were 544 individual respondents.
Goals (in ranked order): In phase 1, five emerging goals were identified for Urban Design. The visioning survey
for phase 2 asked respondents to rank the goals in the order of their importance.
Preserve design elements that contribute to the character and authenticity of downtown
Investigate the potential for new or expanded facilities for outdoor markets, performances, and
other community gatherings
Enhance the gateways into downtown
Implement design guidelines and/or policies to provide a smooth transition from downtown
edges into surrounding neighborhoods
Promote integration of diverse architectural styles while maintaining compatibility
Strategies (How can we achieve these goals?): A number of potential strategies to achieve the
Urban Design goals were developed in phase 2 of the plan, and will be explored further in phase 3.
Develop design guidelines like the Old Town and River District guidelines for the other Downtown
Character Districts.
Adopt form-based Land Use Code elements for each character district that set standards for building
height, massing, streetscape, and courtyard design while retaining creative options for building style,
materials, and details. (See next page)
Create more pedestrian spaces throughout the downtown area; combine wide sidewalks and comfortable
pedestrian experiences with plazas, pedestrian streets, and other spaces.
Redevelop the Streetcar Barn into a community gathering space, community marketplace, museum, or
other public-oriented use.
Improve signage in the downtown area to facilitate wayfinding to destinations, bike and vehicle parking,
and transportation options.
Add landscaping, art, signage, and buildings at key gateway points to welcome residents and visitors to
the downtown area.
Clarify compatibility requirements for new development at the edges of the downtown area.
Encourage increased density in key areas downtown (for example, the Mason corridor) to increase the
supply of housing and commercial space in the downtown area.
1
2
22 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 23
Historic District:
Maximum height is 3 stories, with a 4th allowed if
stepped back to a 35 degree angle from the top of the
3rd story. *
Mason North, Civic Center, and Canyon
Avenue:
Maximum height is carefully stated based on extensive
public discussion among strongly competing interests
during the Downtown Strategic Plan (2006).
Stated height limits vary block-by-block. Limits are
stated in both stories and feet with explanation of the
intent, rather than simply stating exact numerical limits.
Buildings over 3 stories must step down to a 1 or 2 story
base portion along streets. *
Campus North:
Maximum height is 5 stories. *
River District:
Maximum height is 5 stories. Buildings must be stepped
down to 3 stories abutting streets and 1 story abutting
the river. *
Entryway Corridor:
Maximum height is 3 stories.
* All zoning height limits work in conjunction with
regulations for compatibility. If historic buildings are
adjacent, those existing buildings and the pattern of
development are a major consideration in shaping new
buildings, and can require lower heights than the stated
limits. This issue would benefit from clarification in
zoning district standards compatibility.
10-12 Stories
150 ft.
3 Stories
7-9 Stories
115 ft.
3-4 Stories
56 ft.
5-6 Stories
85 ft.
3-4 Stories
45 ft.
5 Stories
2.5 Stories
Campus North
District
Canyon Avenue
District
Civic District
Entryway Corridor
River District
North Mason
District
Historic District
Existing Code Requirements by District
Building Height,
Mass and Scale in
the Downtown
Downtown is seeing significant
development activity throughout
its boundaries. As infill and density
24 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 25
LAUREL
MULBERRY
N
COLLEGE
R
IVERSIDE
MOUNTAIN
CHERRY
VINE
Canyon
Avenue
District
Historic
District
Civic
District
North Mason
District River
District
Oxbow
District
Innovation
District
Poudre Natural
District
Lincoln Corridor
Entryway Corridor
Campus
North
District
Downtown Character Districts
The Downtown Plan area encompasses much more than the historic core of downtown Fort Collins. The
character of downtown is varied and complex – for example, the part of downtown directly north of Colorado
State University does not have the same form or function as the civic district or Lincoln corridor areas. To
incorporate this complexity and better plan for the entire downtown, eleven Character Districts were identified
based on buildings, streets and land uses.
What Will Downtown
Look Like in the Future?
The following sections illustrate potential
changes and improvements in each
of the downtown Character Districts.
Walking tours, a design charrette and a
drop-in workshop were held to begin
incorporating the vision for each topic
area into the various Character Districts.
Ideas and comments from residents,
working group members, and other
downtown stakeholders were summarized
in a series of illustrations representing the
key opportunities that emerged for each
District. Notes and maps from the design
charrette and drop-in workshop are
available on the Downtown Plan website
at fcgov.com/downtown.
26 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 27
Innovation District
Future character: A mix of uses supporting partnerships in innovation with a
sense of place, grounded in the Poudre River floodplain
Redesign Vine Drive as a “green street,”
incorporating innovative stormwater
management techniques and enhanced
bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Showcase innovation and sustainability through
site and green building design, district energy use,
and innovative agricultural concepts on naturally
constrained property (e.g., agriculture production
within the floodplain).
N View looking southeast
College
Linden
Vine
Build on the success of existing innovative
businesses and include residential uses to
support live/ work possibilities.
Capitalize on sports elements of kayaking,
running, and biking.
Create an “energy gateway” to downtown,
including information on renewable energy.
Enhance landscaping along College Avenue.
College
28 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 29
Oxbow District
Future character: A mix of uses with significant open space; characterized by
large canopy trees and views to the Poudre River floodplain
Protect the tree canopy that delineates the
original Oxbow through creative site planning and
design.
Encourage design themes that support the natural
context of horizontal roof lines that protect views
and the use of natural building materials.
Enhance the River frontage with more plaza areas
and public access.
Support commercial, residential and mixed-uses
within the district.
Minimize negative impacts to the adjacent historic
neighborhood.
Linden
Willow
Buckingham
N View looking northeast
30 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 31
Poudre Natural District
Future character: Poudre River open space emphasizing habitat, water quality
and river access
Provide spur trail connections between the Poudre
River Trail and key destinations.
Create a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Poudre River
east of College Avenue.
Develop the trail system on the southwest side of the
Poudre River.
Continue vegetation and habitat enhancement along
the River corridor.
Take advantage of educational opportunities
afforded by the Poudre River, Sanitary Sewer
N View looking north treatment facility and solar garden.
32 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 33
Celebrate the history of Fort Collins’ birthplace
through signage and design.
Promote building and site design character
that respects our agricultural and industrial
heritage.
Continue to add more residents to the district.
Expand mid-block pedestrian
network by reinstituting vacated
alley and street rights-of-way.
College Ave
Willow St
N View looking east
River District
Future character: A mix of uses bridging downtown with our agricultural and
industrial heritage, while emphasizing connection to the Poudre River
Tame Jefferson Street, lowering vehicle
speeds and making it more inviting through
landscaping and pedestrian improvements.
Develop opportunities for artist
live/work, fabrication, artist retail
within existing buildings on the
north side of Jefferson Street.
“Welcome to Downtown!” wayfinding.
Jefferson intersections with Mountain and
Enhance connections to the Poudre River Linden need to be pedestrian friendly.
Linden St
Jefferson St
College Ave
Lincoln Ave
34 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 35
Lincoln Corridor
Future character: An active, vibrant destination and connection that celebrates
the area’s industrial heritage as a model for sustainability
Examine the 300 ft. River buffer dimension along
Lincoln Corridor and consider higher quality
habitat in exchange for buffer reduction.
The commercial frontage along Lemay north of
Mulberry should respect the site proximity to the
River and share design elements found in the
Lincoln Corridor.
Consider a transit circulator connecting to the
corridor to the Historic District.
Promote industrial and mixed uses that have
activity along Lincoln Avenue.
Provide a buffer and transition between higher-
intensity industrial uses and the Buckingham
neighborhood to lessen impacts.
Explore bike path and/or sidewalk construction
west of Odell Brewing Company.
Lemay
Lincoln
Mulberry
N View looking southwest
36 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 37
North Mason District
Future character: A mix of uses emphasizing residential character and
compatibility with the adjacent neighborhoods
Create an appropriate transition in height, scale
and intensity at the edge of the district as it abuts
the residential neighborhood.
Provide a variety of owner-occupied housing,
including townhouses, urban lofts, attached single
family houses, along with rental units.
Utilize the Streetcar Barn for future community use.
Provide incentives and requirements that will
result in a range of building heights and design
variety.
Use the abandoned railroad right-of-way near
Mason Street and Cherry Street for bicycle and
pedestrian improvements and amenities.
Emphasize Howes Street as a low-stress bicycle
route and Mason Street as a long-distance bicycle
route/pedestrian way.
Howes
Meldrum
Mason
Cherry
N View looking southeast
38 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 39
Provide more space(s) for open air markets,
large events and performing arts.
The Civic Center may be too big – bringing
civic uses close together would provide more
land for private development.
Public sector should lead the way in energy
innovation and environmental stewardship
within this district.
Increase programmable space for recreation/
events to bring people in at other times of day/
week.
Retain the mid-block “pedestrian spine”
between Mason Street and Howes Street
throughout the district.
Laporte
Mountain
Oak
College
Civic District
Future character: Fort Collins’ civic heart,
which is organized by open space, emphasizes
permanence and civic pride, and creates strong
connections to the historic downtown
Promote mixed-use within Civic buildings to
make the area more active.
Enhance Howes Street as downtown’s
“green boulevard”, incorporating generous
landscaping with bicycle and pedestrian
facilities.
Howes
Maple
Mason
N View looking southwest
40 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 41
Canyon Avenue District
Future character: Commercial office/residential uses that provide a sense of
permanence, with a mid-century and park-like character
Vary massing from building to building to avoid
monotony found in some other communities,
e.g., Denver’s LoDo and Boulder’s Canyon Blvd.
Add building height and density, but “soften”
through design.
Reimagine Canyon Avenue for other purposes, e.g.,
festival street (farmer’s market, food trucks, art),
downtown circulator street, a hybrid street (circulator
by day/festival street at night), or multi-modal street.
Use building setbacks and stepbacks to change
the perception of density and reduce impacts
of taller buildings to maintain the established
character of Downtown.
Provide opportunities for better parking
management, through car and bicycle share
programs and electric vehicle charging stations
in strategic locations, a district parking structure,
and shared parking between residential and
office users.
Retain the opportunity to protect views and solar
access by using building stepbacks for patios,
green roofs and rooftop decks.
Retain the large canopy trees and green setbacks
along streets. Incorporate pocket parks and small
natural spaces.
Create gateway improvements, including
buildings, public art, landscaping, and pedestrian
improvements along Mulberry Street, with
particular focus on the College, Mason, and
Canyon Avenue intersections.
Provide better signage and wayfinding within the
District to modify circulation and reduce congestion
on College Avenue.
Canyon
Mulberry
College
Mason
Howes
Meldrum
Whitcomb
N View looking northeast
42 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 43
Historic District
Keep the area “historically authentic” with new
development compatible with the historic
character.
Future character: The heart of historic downtown with a mix of uses
emphasizing community gathering, authenticity and historic integrity
Install smaller, more distributed bike racks – with closer access
to destinations.
Improve signs that promote easier wayfinding to destinations,
parking and transportation options.
Develop a parking management strategy that
promotes parking availability through parking
structures and high turnover of on-street parking.
Create new and enhanced spaces that allow for
an escape from the urban environment, including
courtyards, plazas, pocket parks, rooftop patios,
and parklets.
Continue to support patio culture, but manage
encroachments along sidewalks – plantings, bikes/
bike racks, sandwich boards – so that pedestrian
movements are not restricted.
College
Mountain
Oak
Olive
N View looking northeast
44 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 45
Campus North District
Future character: A mix of uses supporting campus needs with efficient
structures that emphasize connectivity to CSU
Celebrate the “hippie, bohemian, college
feel” of the area with future design and
construction.
Promote arts and culture and Nature in
the City, including murals, train music,
plant murals/green walls and pocket
sculpture parks.
Support more mixed use development
along Mason Street.
Implement on-street bicycle lanes along
Mason Street.
Increase bicycle and car share
opportunities.
Protect the generous green landscape along
College Avenue, respecting the historic green
setbacks, broad parkways, and landscape median,
except in limited cases near Laurel St where an
more urban streetscape is desired.
Widen College Avenue sidewalks on the west side
of the street to create space for a cycletrack.
Maintain 2-3 story building heights along College
Ave from Laurel St to Myrtle St, with substantially
greater stepbacks above 3 stories. Building
heights rise from Myrtle St to Mulberry St.
College
Mason
Mulberry
Laurel
Howes
N View looking northwest
46 The Downtown Plan Phase 2 Summary 47
Entryway Corridor
Future character: A scenic residential and commercial movement
corridor that references the area’s railroad heritage
Within strategic locations, remove access points and construct
intersection neckdowns at Riverside that will free up space for
landscaping and new sidewalks.
Widen/redesign sidewalks on the southwest side of Riverside as
redevelopment occurs.
Rezone existing residential properties west of Riverside to
promote a more residential character.
Maximize tree planting and landscaping along the
northeast side of Riverside to create an inviting
feeling of entry into Downtown.
Create a gateway feature through landscape, art,
signs, and buildings at the Mulberry/Riverside
intersection.
Mulberry
Riverside
N View looking northwest
fcgov.com/downtown
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Vision Structure
The Old Town Neighborhoods vision is comprised
of four topic areas: Unique, Livable, Connected,
and Sustainable, shown below. These topic areas
represent the defining physical and cultural elements
of the neighborhood, and are supported by value
statements that identify specific principles to guide
future policies and projects.
Combined, the vision statements and values for
each topic area describe neighborhood elements
to preserve or enhance for the present and future.
The goal of the neighborhood vision is to provide
the foundation for future neighborhood policies,
programs, and projects.
Neighborhood
Vision
The Old Town Neighborhoods are Unique, Livable,
Connected, and Sustainable. As mature, established
neighborhoods, many of the ideas and opportunities
expressed by stakeholders in support of the Old
Town Neighborhoods vision emphasize preserving
and enhancing the qualities that already make the
neighborhoods a great place to live.
Developed with the aid of residents, a stakeholder
group, City staff, and elected officials, the vision for
the Old Town Neighborhoods reflects a collection
of values, opportunities, and feelings about the
neighborhoods as they exist today and as they are
envisioned in the future.
The vision also builds upon many of the ideas
expressed in the original neighborhood plans
developed in the 1980s. While the neighborhoods
have evolved and face new challenges and
opportunities, the ideas of celebrating their one-of-
a-kind elements, enhancing mobility, and promoting
neighborhood pride continue.
UNIQUE
Neighborhood character,
history, & design
LIVABLE
Neighborhood land-use &
transitions to downtown/CSU
CONNECTED
Neighborhood travel &
mobility
SUSTAINABLE
Social, environmental &
financial vibrancy
POLICIES
PROGRAMS
PROJECTS
1
ATTACHMENT 2
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Unique
Diversity of Building
Styles
Historic Context
Compatible Design
Single-Family
Character
Landscaping and
Tree Canopy
Livable
Anticipate and
Manage Change
Smooth Transitions
Neighborhood
Identity
Social Interaction
High Quality of Life
Connected
Enhanced Arterial
Corridors
Improved
Connectivity
Safe Travel
Environment
Walkability and
Bikeability
Grid Street Pattern
Sustainable
Variety of Housing
Choices
Socioeconomic
Diversity
Connected Open
Space Network
Environmental
Stewardship
Adequate
Infrastructure
Vision at a Glance
Summarized below are the broad neighborhood
elements within each topic area. The following
pages illustrate these elements and incorporate the
neighborhood’s values.
2
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Vision Statement: Celebrating and enhancing the qualities that make the
neighborhoods unique and that foster “Old Town Charm”
Values:
• Recognizing and protecting historic resources
• Celebrating the eclectic mix and diversity of home sizes, styles, and residents
• New construction that is sensitive to the neighborhood character and context
• Well-maintained landscaping and tree canopies
Unique
Diverse home sizes, styles, and unique landscaping
3
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods designed for friendly interactions and a
high quality of life
Values:
• Maintaining the stability of single-family neighborhoods
• Compatible buffer areas between the neighborhoods and Downtown / CSU
• Front porches, urban gardens, and quiet streets that promote friendly interactions,
evening strolls, and neighborhood pride
Livable
Compatible transitions from downtown to the neighborhoods
4
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods integrated into the community with safe
and convenient travel options
Values:
• Multiple travel options that take advantage of the historic street grid pattern and short
neighborhood blocks
• Easy-to-cross arterial streets that balance functionality as both commuting corridors
and neighborhood streets
• Continued enhancement of the neighborhood bicycle and pedestrian networks
Connected
Safe and convenient travel options to nearby amenities and destinations
5
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods with the resources and knowledge to
help maintain and improve their economic, social, and environmental vibrancy
Values:
• A variety of housing choices to sustain the capability to live in the neighborhoods for all
ages, income levels, and family situations
• Connected green spaces, urban gardens, and access to nearby natural amenities
• Environmental stewardship
• Renewed neighborhood infrastructure for the present and future
Sustainable
Environmental sustainability with urban agriculture, neighborhood greenways, and solar power generation
6
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
What We Heard...
“Preserving the character
of these neighborhoods is
important in keeping Fort
Collins as we know it, but
it is also important to allow
home owners to express
themselves and have the
homes of their dreams.
In 200 years none of these
buildings will be the same
and it’s important to design
a plan to accommodate
for change and to build on
existing ideas...”
“We have gridded streets
which are great for multi-
modal transportation.
Let’s make that even
better.”
“I would love to see the
bike and walking routes
continue to be upgraded
until the sidewalks and
bike lanes connect
citywide.”
“Old Town has charm
that isn’t found in newer
developments. It is
interesting, unique, and
beautiful with its wide streets
and diverse appearance. I
love the diverse population
of Old Town too.”
“Historic properties are what
make Old Town unique, but
retaining the character of Old
Town is more about variety
than it is about sameness.”
7
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
What do you like most about the Old Town Neighborhoods?
Summer 2015 Visioning Survey - top responses:
Mature Trees &
Landscaping
Diversity of Home
Sizes & Styles
Walkable Street
Pattern
Residents appreciate and value
unique and mature landscaping
throughout the neighborhood.
Tree-lined streets, foliage, and
flower gardens add richness
through every season.
The evolution of the Old Town
Neighborhoods has resulted in
a diverse mix of architectural
styles and home sizes residents
recognize as a defining feature of
the neighborhoods.
Short blocks and close proximity
to a variety of destinations like
downtown and CSU create a
pleasant and convenient walking
environment.
8
Zoning Map
Neighborhood
Conservation -
Medium Density
Neighborhood
Conservation -
Low Density
Legend
0 500 1000 2000 FEET
N
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
Freight Rail Line
City Boundary
Neighborhood
Boundary
Parcel
Low Density
Residential
Neighborhood
Conservation -
Buffer
Low Density
Mixed-Use
Neighborhood
Community
Commercial
Public Open
Lands
Open Space /
Park
Stream / River /
Reservoir
Employment
General
Commercial
Downtown
NCL
NCM
NCB
CC
E
LMN
RL
POL
S SHIELDS ST N SHIELDS ST
W MULBERRY ST E MULBERRY ST
LAUREL SCHOOL
WHITCOMB
STREET
SHEELY
DRIVE
OLD TOWN
SC CHOOL C H OO O OL L
BBB
MAX
MAX
1 RY
3
3
3
Framework Development: Combined December Workshop & Online Questionnaire Summary
LMN POCKETS
Background: Potential changes to Low Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (LMN) zoning in the Westside
Neighborhood to reduce zoning enclaves which permit non-residential land-uses.
Option: Consider rezoning some of the LMN pockets to either Neighborhood Conservation, Low Density
(NCL) or Neighborhood Conservation, Medium Density (NCM) in the interior of the neighborhood, while
leaving LMN zoning along edges or major intersections where non-residential uses currently exist.
Comments & Feedback:
LMN is more flexible than other zoning for affordable
housing; reducing LMN eliminates choices for housing types
LMN makes more sense along neighborhood edges
Worried certain non-residential land-uses like office can be
placed in LMN pockets
Preserve zoning for Beaver’s Market
Alternative option: work to reduce non-conforming uses over
time
TRANSITION AREAS
Background: Prior feedback indicated the existing, permitted land-uses in the transition areas such as the
Neighborhood Conservation Buffer (NCB) zone district were appropriate, but better design could help
improve the interface between downtown and the neighborhoods.
Option: Explore adding design standards for the NCB zone for new or redeveloping sites.
Comments & Feedback:
NCB areas should be treated individually
Worried about rent-by-the-bedroom projects
Design standards okay - but they should be less restrictive
than NCL/NCM given the nature of the area as a buffer
Creates another burden on home development = higher
prices
Adequate parking needed in transition areas
I like this
I sort of like this
I feel neutral
I don’t like this
I need more info
33.3%
23.3% 15.0%
5.0%
23.3%
I like this
I sort of like this
I feel neutral
I don’t like this
I need more info
42.6%
27.9%
5.9%
12.0%
11.6%
The following information summarizes impressions and comments from neighborhood stakeholders on
specific proposals for land-use or transportation changes in the Old Town Neighborhoods. The data is
combined from feedback at a December workshop and an online questionnaire. Although the survey and
data collected is not scientific, it will be used to help understand how neighbors feel about the specific
transportation and land-use options presented.
ATTACHMENT 4
Framework Development: Combined December Workshop & Online Questionnaire Summary
TRANSITION AREAS - SITE DESIGN ELEMENTS
Background: If potential design standards are utilized in the transition areas between downtown and the
neighborhoods, which site or building design elements are critical to compatibility?
Comments & Feedback:
Ensure adequate parking for new projects
More landscaping needed for non-residential uses (leafy
neighborhood look & feel)
Height is important to protect access to winter sun
New standards need to leave enough room for creativity
Encourage reuse of existing buildings
NEIGHBORHOOD GREENWAYS
Background: Improving pedestrian & bicycle mobility in the neighborhoods has been a high priority for
project stakeholders, as well as finding ways to incorporate more sustainable features and practices into the
neighborhoods.
Option: Create a network of neighborhood greenways linking the neighborhoods together and with the rest
of the community. Elements could include striped bike lanes, wayfinding, unique landscaping or sustainability
features such as bio-swales. The greenway network would likely correspond to routes identified in the draft
Bicycle Wayfinding Plan.
Comments & Feedback:
East-west routes are important for connectivity, as is a north-
south route in the Westside Neighborhood
Need intersection treatments at arterial intersections
Should consider maintenance needs of enhanced
landscaping or drainage elements
If wayfinding is added, try to fit the character of the
neighborhoods
Other: land use, upper floor stepbacks,
building materials, roof form
Top Selections:
Landscape setbacks
Size (floor area)
Massing & proportion
Building height
Ground floor character
Other
16.4%
15.8%
10.2%
19.8%
11.9%
26.0%
I like this
I sort of like this
I feel neutral
I don’t like this
65.8% I need more info
17.7%
5.1%
2.5%
8.9%
Framework Development: Combined December Workshop & Online Questionnaire Summary
ARTERIAL CORRIDORS - MULBERRY STREET
Background: Strong interest in exploring ways to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure along arterial
corridors while also maintaining the streets as important commuting corridors. Long-term goals require more
capital and right-of-way acquisition -- what opportunities and strategies exist to improve travel for all modes
in a shorter time-frame?
Option: Utilizing existing right-of-way, explore a 4-lane to 3-lane conversion on Mulberry west of City Park
Avenue with a new center turn lane, buffered bike lanes, and future sidewalk expansion. East of City Park,
utilize Magnolia as a neighborhood greenway for enhanced bike and pedestrian travel with a potential en-
hanced crossing at Shields Street.
I like this
I sort of like this
I feel neutral
I don’t like this
I need more info
Comments & Feedback:
Could be parking conflicts along Magnolia Street
Turn lanes and center turn lanes would improve safety
Would like enhanced bus service along Mulberry
High-speed roads may never capture certain segments of
cyclists and pedestrians; less comfortable and feels unsafe
Safe & convenient crossings are crucial to making
Magnolia work
Worried about impacts to traffic/delays; street seems to
be working fine as-is.
56.3%
21.9%
7.8%
4.7%
9.4%
ARTERIAL CORRIDORS - SHIELDS STREET
Background: Strong interest in exploring ways to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure along arterial
corridors while also maintaining the streets as important commuting corridors. Long-term goals require more
capital and right-of-way acquisition -- what opportunities and strategies exist to improve travel for all modes
in a shorter time-frame?
Option: Utilizing existing right-of-way, explore a 4-lane to 3-lane conversion on Shields Street north of Mag-
nolia Street and reduced vehicle lane widths. Changes would create a new center turn lane for vehicles,
buffered bike lanes, and eventual sidewalk widening. South of Mulberry, decrease vehicle lane widths to con-
struct an 8-foot shared bike/pedestrian pathway where the sidewalk currently exists.
I like this
I sort of like this
I feel neutral
I don’t like this
I need more info
Comments & Feedback:
Center turn lane will help prevent backed-up traffic in the
middle lanes as they presently exist
More concerns about reducing vehicles along segments
of Shields than along West Mulberry due to traffic volume
Shared bike/ped path south of Laurel doesn’t seem wide
enough for both users; difficulty enforcing one-way for
bikes
Shields still seems inadequate for bikes, but it’s the only
true north-south route in this part of the neighborhoods
Proposed changes still don’t solve the issue of snow build-
up in winter
42.4%
25.8%
12.1%
9.1%
MULBERRY STREET
Segment 1
dĂŌ,ŝůůZĚƚŽŝƚLJWĂƌŬǀĞ
Segment 2
ŝƚLJWĂƌŬǀĞƚŽ
tŚŝƚĐŽŵď^ƚ
Segment 3
tŚŝƚĐŽŵď^ƚƚŽ
ZŝǀĞƌƐŝĚĞǀĞ
SHIELDS STREET
Segment 1
>ĂƵƌĞů^ƚƚŽDĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚ
Segment 2
DĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚƚŽ>ĂƉŽƌƚĞǀĞ
Segment 3
>ĂƉŽƌƚĞǀĞƚŽsŝŶĞƌ
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ƚŚĞDƵůďĞƌƌLJΘ^ŚŝĞůĚƐĂƌƚĞƌŝĂůĐŽƌƌŝĚŽƌƐ͘dŚĞƌĞŚĂƐďĞĞŶƐƚƌŽŶŐŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚŝŶĞdžƉůŽƌŝŶŐ
ƐŚŽƌƚĂŶĚŵĞĚŝƵŵͲƚĞƌŵŽƉƟŽŶƐƚŽŝŵƉƌŽǀĞďŝĐLJĐůĞĂŶĚƉĞĚĞƐƚƌŝĂŶŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ
ĂŶĚƐĂĨĞƚLJǁŚŝůĞŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐƚƌĂǀĞůĨŽƌǀĞŚŝĐůĞƐ͘WŽƚĞŶƟĂůŽƉƟŽŶƐĨŽƌĞĂĐŚĐŽƌƌŝĚŽƌ
ƵƟůŝnjŝŶŐƚŚĞĞdžŝƐƟŶŐƌŝŐŚƚͲŽĨͲǁĂLJĂƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚŽŶƚŚĞĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐƉĂŐĞƐ͘
1 2 3
1
2
3
Shields / Mulberry
dƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚĂƟŽŶΘDŽďŝůŝƚLJKƉƟŽŶƐ
ATTACHMENT 5
DƵůďĞƌƌLJ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͗WŽƚĞŶƟĂůKƉƟŽŶƐďLJ^ĞŐŵĞŶƚ
^ĞŐŵĞŶƚϭ͗dĂŌ,ŝůůZŽĂĚƚŽŝƚLJWĂƌŬǀĞŶƵĞ
Ͳ džƉůŽƌĞƐƚƌŝƉŝŶŐĐŽŶǀĞƌƐŝŽŶĨƌŽŵĨŽƵƌǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐƚŽ
ƚǁŽǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐĂŶĚĐĞŶƚĞƌƚƵƌŶůĂŶĞ
ͲĚĚďƵīĞƌĞĚďŝŬĞůĂŶĞƐ
Ͳ^ŝĚĞǁĂůŬǁŝĚĞŶŝŶŐΘƉŽƚĞŶƟĂůĐƌŽƐƐŝŶŐĞŶŚĂŶĐĞŵĞŶƚƐ
^ĞŐŵĞŶƚƐϮΘϯ͗ŝƚLJWĂƌŬǀĞŶƵĞƚŽZŝǀĞƌƐŝĚĞǀĞŶƵĞ
Ͳ&ŽƵƌǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐƌĞŵĂŝŶ
Ͳ džĂŵŝŶĞƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬǁŝĚĞŶŝŶŐΘĐƌŽƐƐŝŶŐĞŶŚĂŶĐĞŵĞŶƚƐ
Ͳ/ŶƐƚĂůůŵŝƐƐŝŶŐƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐĞŐŵĞŶƚƐ;ŶĞĂƌZŝǀĞƌƐŝĚĞǀĞͿ
ͲhƟůŝnjĞDĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚƌĞĞƚĂƐƉĂƌĂůůĞůƌŽƵƚĞĨŽƌďŝŬĞƐ
DĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚƌĞĞƚWĂƌĂůůĞůZŽƵƚĞ
ͲŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂĚŽƉƟŶŐŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚŐƌĞĞŶǁĂLJĞůĞŵĞŶƚƐ͗
ͲdǁŽǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐΘƉĂƌŬŝŶŐƌĞŵĂŝŶ
ͲĚĚďƵīĞƌĞĚŽƌĚŽƵďůĞͲďƵīĞƌĞĚďŝŬĞůĂŶĞƐ
ͲZĞǀŝĞǁŝŶƚĞƌƐĞĐƟŽŶŵĂŶŐĞŵĞŶƚͬŝŶƚĞƌƐĞĐƟŽŶĐĂůŵŝŶŐ
Ͳ džƉůŽƌĞĞŶŚĂŶĐĞĚĐƌŽƐƐŝŶŐĂƚ^ŚŝĞůĚƐ^ƚƌĞĞƚ
^ŚŝĞůĚƐ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͗WŽƚĞŶƟĂůKƉƟŽŶƐďLJ^ĞŐŵĞŶƚ
^ĞŐŵĞŶƚϭ͗>ĂƵƌĞů^ƚƌĞĞƚƚŽDĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚƌĞĞƚ
Ͳ&ŽƵƌǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐƌĞŵĂŝŶ
ͲZĞĚƵĐĞǀĞŚŝĐůĞůĂŶĞǁŝĚƚŚƐ
ͲtŝĚĞŶƐŝĚĞǁĂůŬƐƚŽϴͲĨĞĞƚ
Ͳ^ŚĂƌĞĚŽŶĞͲǁĂLJďŝŬĞͬƉĞĚĞƐƚƌŝĂŶƉĂƚŚǁĂLJƐ
^ĞŐŵĞŶƚϮ͗DĂŐŶŽůŝĂ^ƚƌĞĞƚƚŽ>ĂƉŽƌƚĞǀĞŶƵĞ
Ͳ džƉůŽƌĞƐƚƌŝƉŝŶŐĐŽŶǀĞƌƐŝŽŶĨƌŽŵĨŽƵƌǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐƚŽ
ƚǁŽǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐĂŶĚĐĞŶƚĞƌƚƵƌŶůĂŶĞ
ͲĚĚďƵīĞƌĞĚďŝŬĞůĂŶĞƐ
Ͳ^ŝĚĞǁĂůŬǁŝĚĞŶŝŶŐ
Ͳ ŶŚĂŶĐĞĚĐƌŽƐƐŝŶŐĂƚ^ŚŝĞůĚƐͬDĂŐŶŽůŝĂŝŶƚĞƌƐĞĐƟŽŶ
^ĞŐŵĞŶƚϯ͗>ĂƉŽƌƚĞǀĞŶƵĞƚŽsŝŶĞƌŝǀĞ
ͲdǁŽǀĞŚŝĐůĞƚƌĂǀĞůůĂŶĞƐƌĞŵĂŝŶ
ͲĚĚďƵīĞƌĞĚďŝŬĞůĂŶĞƐ
Ͳ^ŝĚĞǁĂůŬǁŝĚĞŶŝŶŐ
Ͳ džƉůŽƌĞŽŶͲƐƚƌĞĞƚƉĂƌŬŝŶŐĐŽŶĮŐƵƌĂƟŽŶ
ATTACHMENT 6
Old Town Planning Projects
Downtown Plan
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan
March 10, 2016
ATTACHMENT 7
The Fort Collins Downtown
Plan
General direction sought and specific
questions to be answered:
• Given the work to date, are there additional
issues that should be addressed?
• Is there additional public engagement
needed?
Plan Boundary Plan Boundaries
Timeline
Community Engagement
Downtown Plan has engaged thousands!
Public Events (NewWestFest, Brewers Fest…)
Downtown Plan Events (open houses, workshops, focus
groups, charrettes…)
Community Groups (DDA, DBA…)
City Boards and Commissions (P&Z, PAB…)
Media (online and text questionnaires, Ch 14…)
PHASE 3
Choices and Strategies
Vision ‐ What Downtown looks like in 2035
Goals ‐ Topic‐specific goals that support the
vision
Strategies – Ways to accomplish the goals
Topic Areas / Working Groups
ARTS AND CULTURE
Big Idea –Create a centralized resource for
creatives.
Question – What should the City’s role be in
the support of arts and culture?
Response –City should provide space, staff,
and support other organizations.
DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT
Big Idea – Expand pedestrian enhancements and
maintenance to keep up with growth.
Question – What areas and enhancements should the
plan address?
Response – Top 5 areas of consideration are Canyon
Ave., museum connections, Jefferson St.,
Linden St. (river to Vine), and non‐enhanced
alleys.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Big Idea –Implement Climate Action Plan (CAP) strategies in downtown.
Question –Which CAP priorities are most important to emphasize in the
downtown area?
Response –Energy efficient retrofits, green building, rooftop solar,
recycling and composting, and increased transportation
options.
MARKET AND ECONOMY
Big Idea –As downtown continues to grow, ensure that
new development helps achieve community goals.
Question –Which community goals are most important to
encourage in downtown development?
Response –(Workshop on March 2)
URBAN DESIGN
Big Idea –Create new design standards for
buildings and streets that result in
desired character and predictability.
Question –Long‐standing policies call for
greater density, and building height
downtown. How should this vision be
realized?
Response –(Workshop on March 2)
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING
Big Idea –Create a strategic approach to bike parking management.
Question –Where should additional bike parking be located?
Response –Use on‐street parking spaces, alleys, and parking garages to
avoid crowding pedestrian areas; consider functional bike racks
that are artistic.
Project Overview
16
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan
• Combined update of the East Side & West Side
Neighborhood Plans
• Explore emerging trends, issues, opportunities
• Update neighborhood vision/policies
• Study Shields & Mulberry arterial corridors
Study Area & Timeline
17
Phase 1: Existing Conditions
Phase 2: Visioning
Phase 3: Plan Framework
Phase 4: Policies & Strategies
(Spring 2016)
Phase 5: Implementation & Adoption
(Summer 2016)
We Are
Here
Neighborhood Vision
18
UNIQUE ‐ Celebrating and enhancing the qualities that
make the neighborhoods unique and that foster “Old
Town Charm”
LIVABLE – Neighborhoods designed for friendly
interactions and a high quality of life
Neighborhood Vision
19
CONNECTED – Neighborhoods integrated into the
community with safe and convenient travel options
SUSTAINABLE – Neighborhoods with the resources and
knowledge to help maintain and improve their economic,
social, and environmental vibrancy
20
21
Land Use Designations
Westside Neighborhood:
• Low Density Mixed-Use
Neighborhood (LMN) zoning
pockets
• Explore LMN land use
designation & consistency
with adjacent zoning
22
Land Use Designations
Workshop & Online
Questionnaire Feedback
Potential Option:
• Evaluate LMN pockets individually for
neighborhood conservation zoning
• LMN zoning may be appropriate
along neighborhood edges or located
at active intersections
23
Neighborhood Greenways
Neighborhood Greenways:
• Low-volume streets with
enhanced bike, pedestrian,
and streetscape amenities
• Ex: Remington Greenway
• Spectrum of potential
greenway elements
Residential bike lanes Curb extensions
Signage / Wayfinding Stormwater enhancement
Potential Greenway Elements:
24
Neighborhood Greenways
Workshop & Online
Questionnaire Feedback
Potential Option:
• Establish ~4 neighborhood greenway
routes
• Build upon routes identified in the
Bicycle Master Plan & Bicycle
Wayfinding Master Plan
25
Shields & Mulberry Corridors
Arterial Corridors:
• Study existing conditions,
opportunities, constraints
• Interest in enhancing
conditions for bikes &
pedestrians
• What are potential options
using the existing right-of-
way?
26
Mulberry Street
Taft Hill Rd to City Park Ave Magnolia St Parallel Route
27
Mulberry Street & Magnolia Street
Workshop & Online
Questionnaire Feedback
28
Shields Street
Laurel St to Magnolia St
• 4 vehicle travel lanes remain
• Explore vehicle lane width reductions
• Move cubs in & widen sidewalks
• Shared one-way bike & pedestrian path
Magnolia St to Vine Dr
• 4-lane to 3-lane with center turn lane
(Magnolia to Laporte)
• Add buffered bike lanes
• Explore on-street parking configuration
(north of Laporte)
29
Shields Street
Workshop & Online
Questionnaire Feedback
Next Steps
30
Spring:
• Develop policies & strategies
• Continue stakeholder group and Boards &
Commissions outreach
• Public Event: March 29
Summer:
• Develop implementation program
• Finalize Design Guidelines
• Draft plan document
• Board & Commissions recommendations
General direction sought and
specific questions to be
answered:
• Given the work to date, are there additional
issues that should be addressed?
• Is there additional public engagement
needed?
Thank you
10.6%
4
4
5
5
2
1
W ELIZABETH ST
W LAKE ST
CONSTITUTION AVE
W PLUM ST
S TAFT HILL RD N TAFT HILL RD
LAPORTE AVE
W VINE DR
CHERRY ST
E MOUNTAIN AVE
RIVERSIDE AVE
VINE DR
BUCKINGHAM ST
E LINCOLN AVE
LINDEN ST
WILLOW ST
JEFFERSON ST
WALNUT ST
S HOWES ST N HOWES ST
S LOOMIS AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
N COLLEGE AVE
S LEMAY AVE N LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST N MASON ST
REMINGTON ST
STOVER ST
W LAKE ST
E LAUREL ST
E ELIZABETH ST
E PITKIN ST
E PROSPECT RD
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
Lee
Martinez
Park
Udall
Natural Area
Old Fort
Collins
Heritage
Park
Natural Area
City Park
Legacy Park
Sheldon
Lake
Cache la Poudre River
Cache la Poudre River
Eastside
Park
DOWNTOWN
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
EASTSIDE
NEIGHBORHOOD
WESTSIDE
NEIGHBORHOOD
University
Village
Complex
Discovery
Museum
City Park
Pool
University
Center
For The
Arts At
CSU
Public
Library
Lincoln
Center
Mulberry
Pool
287
287
14
14
Dunn
Elementary
Putnam
Elementary
Fullana
Elementary
Centennial
High School
Laurel Elementary
Harris
Bilingual
Immersion
Lesher
Middle
School
Barton Early
Childhood
Center
The Lab
School
St. Joseph’s
Catholic
School
Prioritized
Bike Routes1
Greenways
Gateways
Max Transit Line
0 0.125 0.25 0.5 MILES
N
1. Routes taken from the Fort Collins
Bicycle System Wayfinding Plan
2. Locations taken from Colorado Tree
Coalition’s Noteable Tree Tour in Fort Collins
Plan Framework
Areas of Preservation
and Enhancement
Arterial Streets
Parks & Open Space
Buffer Transition
Downtown Master
Plan Boundary
LMN Land Use
Legend
EXISTING ELEMENTS
FUTURE ELEMENTS
Neighborhood Boundary
City Boundary
Trails
Roadway
Building
Steams, Rivers, Lakes
Designated Land Use Change
Historic Districts
Employment Land Use
Noteable Trees22 Trees
Greenway Designations
Key Projects
Shields Corridor Improvements
Mulberry Corridor Improvements
Buffer Transition Area
Future Land Use Changes
1
2
3
4
5
ATTACHMENT 3
increases, the question arises: How
can new, larger buildings not only be
compatible with the existing context,
but become valuable assets?
In phase 1 &2 of the Downtown Plan
community members expressed
concern about future development’s
impact on the downtown, especially on
historic resources. The development
community also expressed the need to
clarify the Code requirements regarding
what is plausible to build.
Look for outreach in early 2016
specifically tailored to building and site
design. Now is the time to revisit the
conversation about urban form and
compatibility in the downtown.
To the right: Maximum current building height
allowance in the downtown area, as well as Code
sections that relate to development in different
districts.
This graphic was used at the Character District
Design Charrette Maximum Building Heights
4
3
5
1
1
1
2
2
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
What’s Next? Phase 3 is underway! All of the strategies developed in phase 2 are being further analyzed
and refined. Keep an eye out for outreach events in early 2016 aimed at choosing which strategies will best
fulfill the vision and goals.
Missoula
Eugene
Fort Collins
Sioux Falls
Key Issues:
Throughout multiple stakeholder conversations and planning efforts, the following key issues were identified:
Perceived lack of adequate parking turnover and accessibility.
Concern about potential neighborhood impacts due to the increased pace of development.
Need for better communication about parking locations and availability.
Desire to move away from a punitive, enforcement-driven funding model.
Objectives:
Increase the availability, ease of access to and
turnover of on-street parking.
Develop a parking management system that is
supportive of businesses, neighborhoods, and
visitors.
Provide and communicate a variety of options for
parking and for traveling to and around Downtown.
Encourage the use of alternate modes of
transportation to reduce parking demand.
Identify a sustainable funding source for future
access and transportation infrastructure investment.
Additional Strategies to be Considered with On-Street & Garage Parking:
Expand Enforcement
• To evenings and weekends
Manage Employee Parking
• Options / incentives to move
employees off-street.
Residential Parking Permit
Program
• Reduce spillover impact on
neighborhoods.
Enhanced Communication,
Education and Wayfinding
• Help customers find parking
quickly and easily.
Alternative Funding Options
• Parking district
• Impact fee
Transportation Circulation
Options
• Circulator shuttle
• Bike share
Increase Supply
• Parking garages
• Surface lots
Park & Ride
• MAX
L
o
n
g
-
T
e
r
m
S
h
o
r
t
-
T
e
r
m
L
e
n
g
t
h
O
f
S
t
a
y
On-Street
Garage
One-Stop Shop
Quick Lunch
Shopping Around
Long Dinner
Employees
The “spectrum of options” for parking management (above) shows different management methods that can be
combined to create a balanced parking plan. Research was done on peer cities to examine the pros and cons
of different management methods.
Downtown Parking Community Dialogue
The Downtown Parking Community Dialogue is a separate but integrally related public outreach project that is
fully coordinated and aligned with the Downtown Plan. It is a continued dialogue that builds on the policies of
the Parking Plan: Downtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods. Parking access and turn-over in downtown has
been identified as an issue for the Market + Economy and Transportation + Parking topic areas. The following
information has been used for discussions regarding choices and strategies with the public and downtown
stakeholders. The Downtown Parking Community Dialogue is anticipated to bring recommendations to the
Parking Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and City Council in Spring 2016.
2
2
2
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
5
5
What’s Next? Phase 3 is underway! All of the strategies developed in phase 2 are being further analyzed
and refined. Keep an eye out for outreach events in early 2016 aimed at choosing which strategies will best
fulfill the vision and goals.
2
2
2
2
4
4
3
3
5
5
5
5
What’s Next? Phase 3 is underway! All of the strategies developed in phase 2 are being further analyzed
and refined. Keep an eye out for outreach events in early 2016 aimed at choosing which strategies will best
fulfill the vision and goals.
Develop the civic center complex as a model “green district” to demonstrate innovation in energy
efficiency, sustainability, and stewardship.
Identify opportunities to implement the Nature in the City Strategic Plan in the downtown area.
Coordinate with long-range utility and stormwater management plans to implement specific projects
that will improve the function of downtown’s stormwater system.
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
What’s Next? Phase 3 is underway! All of the strategies developed in phase 2 are being further analyzed
and refined. Keep an eye out for outreach events in early 2016 aimed at choosing which strategies will best
fulfill the vision and goals.
1
1
2
6
2
4
6
4
4
3
3
3
5
5
What’s Next? Phase 3 is underway! All of the strategies developed in phase 2 are being further analyzed
and refined. Keep an eye out for outreach events in early 2016 aimed at choosing which strategies will best
fulfill the vision and goals.
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
5
To organize the Downtown Plan, six key topic areas were identified. An overarching vision statement was
established for each topic area (above) during phase 2. Each statement is supported by 5-6 goals. The goals are
followed by suggested strategies to be further refined in phase 3.
• The active core of the city, with multiple transportation options that can be easily, comfortably, and safely
navigated by all users
• An authentic urban setting where a commitment to historic preservation blends seamlessly with high-
quality new development and architecture
• A distinctive regional destination for arts and culture, one-of-a-kind retail and entertainment options, and
exceptional architecture in a charming, historic setting
• A center for innovative approaches to social, economic, and environmental sustainability that is driven by
a creative, collaborative start-up culture
• An inviting, friendly place for people of all ages and backgrounds to live,socialize, recreate, and conduct
business
Outreach
The outreach strategy for phase 2 utilized a
broad range of public engagement approaches
and techniques including public events, small-
group meetings, online and mobile engagement,
participation in community events, and broadcast
notification and outreach. A series of downtown
walking tours helped attendees explore the
downtown Character Districts, while attendance
at weekend festivals like Bohemian Nights at
NewWestFest and the Colorado Brewer’s Festival
allowed the Downtown Plan team to interact with a
broad cross-section of residents and visitors. Over 700
people contributed input through an online Visioning
Survey (over 400 completed the survey). Thousands
more people shared their thoughts and visions at
public events throughout the summer. Translation
services for Spanish and other languages were
available on an as-needed basis.
Surveys and Public Feedback
An online survey was conducted during July and
August 2015 to collect community visions and
preferences for the future of downtown. The
survey covered six different topic areas and asked
respondents to rank a list of goals and share their
visions for each topic area. The survey also included
several visual assessment questions that provided
respondents an opportunity to select pictures that
best represented their preferences.
The visual assessment questions included in the
online survey were excerpts from a visual assessment
administered at the New Vision for Downtown event
on July 13, 2015. An additional parking survey was
conducted at Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest
(August 14-15, 2015) and Open Streets (September
20, 2015) to explore community preferences about
downtown parking.
Both the Downtown Plan Visioning Survey and the
parking survey included opportunities for respondents to
provide open-ended comments. Comments were also
collected at public events throughout phase 2 of the
Downtown Plan. Hundreds of comments were recorded
and synthesized, and this synthesis supplemented
formal survey results to inform development of a new
downtown vision.
Selected results from the surveys and visual assessment
polling are presented in each of the following sections. A
full compilation of survey results (including open-ended
comments) from phase 2 can be downloaded from the
Downtown Plan website at fcgov.com/downtown.
Surveys conducted in phase 2:
• Downtown Plan Visioning Survey
(701 respondents)
• Parking survey (51 respondents)
• Visual Assessment Keypad Polling
(117 respondents)
• Text message survey (44 respondents)
Stakeholder
Engagement
Public Events Broadcast Outreach
Online & Mobile
Activities
Square
Canyon Ave
Linden St
Vine Dr
Lincoln Ave
N
CSU