HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 7/1/2014 - Information From Matt Robenalt And Todd Dangerfield Re Old Town Square (Ots) Renovation ProgramFORT COLLINS OLD TOWN SQUARE RENOVATION
PROGRAM PLAN
PROGRAM PLAN REPORT/TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
JUNE 12, 2014
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5
Introduction
Goals + objectives
Team expectations
EXISTING CONDITIONS 9
Site assessment
Surrounding area
STAKEHOLDER INPUT 18
Introduction
Questions
Stakeholder meeting #1
Stakeholder meeting #2
Stakeholder meeting #3
Stakeholder meeting #4
Stakeholder meeting #5
Stakeholder meeting #6
Stakeholder meeting #7
Stakeholder meeting #8
Stakeholder meeting #9
Open houses
Online survey
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP 28
14th Street Renovation
Larimer Square
Writer Square
Skyline Park
Clayton Lane
Fillmore Plaza
Fountain Plaza
Belmar Town Center
One Boulder Plaza
Boulder Mall
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACE 37
INFRASTRUCTURE 43
General comments
Activities in OTS
Alleys
Architecture
Art/sculpture
Bicycle parking
Buskers
Concrete unit pavers
Deliveries
Dining (outdoor)
Emergency access
Flag poles
Gateway entrances
Gathering (formal, informal)
Irrigation
Kiosk
Landscaping (trees, flowers, planters)
Lighting
Maintenance
Mountain Avenue
Parking
Performance art (piano)
Performance stage
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
TEAM LEADERSHIP
Todd Dangerfield Fort Collins DDA, Project Manager
Matt Robenalt Fort Collins DDA, Executive Director
Keith Meyer Ditesco Services Owner
Claire Thomas Slate Communications, Principal
City of Fort Collins Planning, Engineering, Utilities, and
Parks Departments
PLANNING TEAM
studioINSITE, LLC
Architecture Plus
JVA Consulting Engineers
Clanton & Associates
K2 Audio
ArtHouse Design
HydroSystems KDI
OLC Aquatics
Beaudin Ganze
STAKEHOLDER CONTRIBUTORS
Prepared by
Rachael Askeland
Darin Atteberry
Hannah Baltz
Liz Barnez
James Byrne
Mike Brunkhart
Roger Buffington
JoAnn Caddoo
Mike Campana
Dave Clack
Jim Clark
Heather Greenacre
Dwight Hall
Basil Hamdan
Matt Hannifin
John Haukaas
Bruce Hendee
Katie Hines
Kristen Karabensh
Tom Knostman
Justin Larson
Chris Lombardi
Seth Lorson
Steve Lukowski
Peggy Lyle
CONTACT
For more information contact:
Jim Leggitt, FAIA
Principal | studioINSITE
jleggitt@studio-insite.com
303.433.7100
Eric Taylor, ASLA
Project Manager | studioINSITE
etaylor@studio-insite.com
Stu MacMillan
Shawn McGaffin
Clark Mapes
Caitlin Morris
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SECTION 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | INTRODUCTION
studioINSITE was commissioned in April 2014 by the
Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
to undertake the OTS Renovation Program Plan, the first
of several project phases with the goal to establish the
design criteria and parameters for the Schematic Design
phase of the renovation project. Working closely with the
DDA staff, the Ditesco Services project team, and Slate
Communications, studioINSITE established the overall
project goals, conducted nine different stakeholder group
interviews, three public open houses and led a team
field trip to view other similar projects in the Denver
metropolitan area.
This document is organized in seven major sections that
describe the many aspects of the discovery process; 1.
Executive Summary, 2. Existing Conditions, 3. Stakeholder
Input, 4. Qualities of Great Public Spaces, 5. Project Team
Research Field Trip, 6. Infrastructure, and 7. Zone Character
Diagrams. An Appendix is included with documentation
from each of the stakeholder interviews.
The purpose of this Program Plan is to clearly identify what
features (elements) and activities within OTS are successful,
what may be missing in OTS, what existing portions of
the square should remain and be improved, and what
infrastructure improvements can be identified to make
program events of all sizes more effective for both the
performers and especially the audiences.
The following page is an abbreviated summary of our findings.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OLD TOWN SQUARE
The vision and construction of Old Town Square by Gene
Mitchell in 1983 has created a beloved destination in
Downtown Fort Collins. By converting a city street into
a public plaza in what was then a deteriorated block in
historic downtown, Mitchell created a sense of place
in the center of downtown where people can gather to
share in the numerous festivals and concerts performed
in the Square, enjoy the wonderful flowers and mature
landscaping, take innumerable photographs in front
of the fountain, shop, dine or work at the successful
establishments that line the Square. Over the past thirty
years, many characteristics of the central business district
have evolved. While receiving varying levels of routine
maintenance, the infrastructure of OTS has deteriorated
and demands for more expanded program events have
simply overstressed the physical environment creating the
need for a comprehensive evaluation of the physical space
and identification of strategic improvements. ”We are a
victim of our own success!” – a commonly heard phrase
from many of the stakeholders and businesses who have
direct ties to Old Town Square.
Today, Old Town Square is a thriving public space with
overflowing restaurants, successful stores and a well-
organized series of programmed events and intimate
musical concerts. It is the goal of our entire project team
to strengthen the best characteristics of OTS while building
new infrastructure that allows Old Town Square to thrive
for the next thirty years.
CooperSmith’s outdoor dining area facing Mountain Avenue
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | GOALS & OBJECTIVES
• Celebrate the history and culture of Fort Collins
• Integrate OTS renovation seamlessly with the overall
downtown district
• Improve the physical conditions of OTS for the next
thirty years
• Maintain a positive pedestrian experience for all ages
and abilities
• Reinforce the public art program
• Enhance the seasonal landscaping / flower displays
• Strengthen the unique alley and street connections
• Preserve and enhance the OTS businesses
• Enhance and improve the OTS performance experience
• Evaluate the adequacy and condition of existing
infrastructure
• Make recommendations for utility improvements
• Improve the special events infrastructure
• Integrate long term maintenance into all design
decisions
• Improve trash storage and handling procedures
• Create a unified OTS expression that attracts events
and visitors
• Reinforce unique character of OTS intimate scale and
historic design
• Promote OTS as a major downtown destination
through placemaking
• Provide electrical, water and lighting systems to fit a
variety of events
• Create opportunities for year-round activities
• Install a variety of architectural, pedestrian and
seasonal lighting layers
• Create a sense of arrival at key points throughout OTS
• Improve transportation/parking related signage to
assist visitors
• Identify Old Town Square with signage throughout
downtown Fort Collins
• Improve lighting systems to create a sense of night
time safety
• Expand children’s play area and other family friendly
activities
• Provide public restrooms that are well located,
maintained and managed
ENHANCE THE OLD TOWN PUBLIC REALM
BUILD UPON EXISTING STRENGTHS
ADDRESS THE AGING INFRASTRUCTURE
STRENGTHEN THE OLD TOWN SQUARE BRAND
DEVELOP A MULTI-LAYERED FLEXIBLE
FRAMEWORK
IMPROVE THE WAYFINDING NETWORK
PROMOTE OTS AS A FAMILY FRIENDLY
DESTINATION
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | TEAM EXPECTATIONS
TEAM EXPECTATIONS
Prior to starting the programming effort, studioINSITE
asked the Downtown Development Authority to develop
a list of expectations of the consultant team in terms of
involvement, performance, honesty, creative thinking,
communication, quality, cooperation and attitude. The
following list has been an inspiration to the entire team
process.
• studioINSITE and more specifically Jim and Eric are
critical members of the DDA team.
• We will depend on you like regular staff.
• We need you to be responsive at all times. We will
define what this is – either 10 minutes or 10 days.
• No secrets. No one on the team should be working in
a vacuum. There are no dumb questions. Ask anything
and everything so that all work assignments are clear.
• No “yes men”…period. You have been hired to do the
very best work you can. If you disagree with us, say so.
We will develop a solution together.
• We will do everything we can to make your job easier
(not necessarily easy) and we expect you to do the
same for us.
Children playing on the OTS bear and fish sculptures
• Out of the box thinking is always welcome. “Because
we always do it this way” is the wrong answer.
• We do not do low bid engineering/architectural work.
The cheapest money ever spent is during the design
phase. We expect quality work all the time.
• Surprises are never good. Communicate constantly
– even if the news is bad.
• Quality control work is done in your office, not ours.
We will check the contract documents from a
quality assurance standpoint, but this is not meant
to replace QC.
• Communication is key. Communicate all the time.
No call or email will go unanswered.
• We expect your team to work towards the project
goals. We expect cooperative working relationships
all the time.
• We love our work to be fun and we want you to have
fun on this project!
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SECTION 2
EXISTING CONDITIONS
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
The Downtown Development Authority commissioned
Ditesco Services in August 2012 to study the existing OTS
infrastructure and life cycle maintenance costs of the
original 1983 construction.”Old Town Square Condition
Infrastructure Maintenance Cost Study,” a technical
memorandum, focused on 6 specific areas;
1. Pavement (interlocking pavers and concrete),
2. Electrical Systems (plaza lighting, wiring, outlets),
3. Fountain Support Systems (piping, pumps, controls),
4. Signs and Sign Supports (wayfinding and information
signage),
5. Drainage Systems (grates and inlets),
6. Architectural and Landscaping Components
(seat walls, planters and furniture).
studioINSITE has visited Old Town Square numerous
times in April and May 2014 to observe both the existing
physical conditions of OTS and how the existing spaces are
programmed and utilized by the public. In addition, we
expanded our survey beyond the Old Town Square area
boundary and looked at the surrounding neighborhood
blocks, streets and alleys. Our observations are organized
in two categories; 1. OTS Physical Conditions and 2.
Surrounding Area Conditions.
Art/sculpture. Old Town Square has no formal placement of
two-dimensional art on any wall surface. There are several
locations on historic brick walls where there is evidence of
old painted store advertising signage. The most significant
historic sign is the restored Coke sign at the entrance to
CooperSmith’s alley at Mountain Avenue. There are several
locations within OTS in which large bronze sculptures are
OLD TOWN SQUARE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS located.
Architecture. Old Town Square has a mix of architecture
built in approximately four different periods of time. The
historic buildings were constructed at nearly the same
period of time in the late 1800s and early 1900s and
serve to define the nostalgic character of Old Town. Those
Bronze geese sculpture on the OTS water feature
Historic architecture of Old Town Square
buildings are clearly defined by their distinct brick detailing,
fenestration, storefronts and elaborate cornice detailing.
The CooperSmith’s pool hall building was constructed later
in the 20th century to function as a utilitarian commercial
space. The major expansion of the OTS block and closing
of the street in 1984 completed infill of what is commonly
called “missing teeth” with new brick construction and
modest detailing to contrast the “new” architecture against
the “historic” architecture. The most recent building on
the block constructed in the early 2000’s has proportions
and detailing related to historic character with a more
contemporary design.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
Bicycle Parking. There are several portable bicycle racks
located on Walnut Street and on Mountain Avenue near the
entrance to CooperSmith’s Alley. These racks are removed
during the winter months to allow for easier snow removal.
During peak hours of activity in OTS, bicycles are locked
to trees, fencing and light poles. There is clearly the need
for a more organized system for parking bicycles than
currently exists, as Downtown Fort Collins is a very popular
destination for recreational bikers. The relocated Bicycle
Library at the transit center several blocks from Old Town
Square might increase bicycle traffic to the Square.
Dining (outdoor). The most active outdoor spaces in
Old Town Square are the numerous food and beverage
establishments with either formal (fenced) or informal
(non-fenced) designated dining areas. CooperSmith’s has
the greatest number of outdoor seating both facing the
interior of the Square and on Mountain Avenue. The spaces
are partially covered with a seasonal fabric awning and
individual table umbrellas. Overhead lighting at the Yeti
Restaurant is provided by vertical steel extensions bolted
to the railings and strung with string lights. Most outdoor
furniture is decorative steel chairs and tables with the
exception of the Bondi Beach Bar which has off-the-shelf
picnic tables and inexpensive multi-colored table umbrellas.
Informal outdoor dining occurs at the Little Bird coffee shop
which has elegant painted metal bistro tables and chairs,
and Ben & Jerry’s which has inexpensive plastic chairs and
table umbrellas with B&J logos. No establishment appears
to have permanent overhead heating systems and all rely
on typical “mushroom” heaters that function with propane
tanks. Several heaters are in questionable shape and
storage of excess propane tanks needs to be addressed.
Emergency Access. Old Town Square has been designed
with a 10-foot-wide emergency access lane capable of
carrying 60 thousand pounds live load. This emergency
access lane will still be required but with a higher live
load requirement. The turnout on Mountain Avenue is a
dedicated emergency access lane at all times but is being
used for both a taxi cab pickup zone and the location for
horse and carriage rides. During a recent visit at OTS, we
observed an ambulance parked directly on Walnut Street
for an emergency response in the Square.
Flag Poles. There are three existing flag poles located at
the north entrance to Old Town Square on Walnut Street.
Two are in use with flags and the center serves as a lighting
pole for illuminating the space during winter events (Santa’s
Workshop).
“Old Town Square” signage on overhead pedestrian bridge
Outdoor dining area facing onto the OTS Central Plaza
Overflowing bicycle parking along Walnut Street
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
Gateway Entrances. Old Town Square has primary
entrances from the North (Walnut Street) and South
(Mountain Avenue) and secondary entrances from Trimble
Court, CooperSmith’s Alley and the alley access from
Walnut Street. Only two dedicated gateway signs exist
in OTS; one with overhead letters “Old Town Square”
mounted to the bridge above Trimble Court, and the
other being an original sign structure at the entrance to
CooperSmith’s Alley on Mountain Avenue. A logo of Old
Town Square is mounted high on the face of the building
that overlooks Mountain Avenue.
Irrigation. There is a landscape irrigation system throughout
Old Town Square that was updated in 2009. It serves
the permanent landscape planters and flower beds. All
overhead flower pots and freestanding flower pots are
watered each day by hand.
Kiosk. The central freestanding building, originally
designated as an ice cream shop houses the only public
restrooms in Old Town Square. The structure has been
repurposed with many different uses, most recently as the
Fort Collins Bike Library (recently relocated to the transit
center). This building is slated to be removed and not
relocated or replaced in the OTS renovation.
Landscaping (trees, flowers, baskets). The overall condition
of landscaping in Old Town Square is excellent with the
exception of a few central planter beds and the north end.
All of the thirty year old shade trees in the south portion of
the Square have fully matured and appear to be in excellent
condition. There are several crab apple trees missing in the
central planter bed near the stage and the pine tree located
at the north Walnut Street entrance appears to have been
damaged from some weather event. With the exception
of the low planter at the north end beneath the pine tree,
all other planters in OTS are surrounded by a 12"-18" high
concrete planter wall capped with red sandstone.
Summer flower garden at Walnut and Linden Street intersection
Central pavilion at Old Town Square Existing light fixtures at Old Town Square
Lighting (general, security, performance, decorative).
General pedestrian lighting of Old Town Square is a
combination of two head and four head globe light
fixtures on 14 foot poles positioned in the core area and
in the alleys. The two head fixtures include banner signs.
Perimeter lighting on Mountain Avenue and Walnut Street
is provided by city standard street lighting. There have been
several high intensity flood lights mounted to the parapets
of buildings that are used to illuminate the central core area
late at night when the restaurants close. There is only one
light fixture in the alley access from Walnut Street. Lighting
for the stage is provided by three lighting poles with six spot
lights on each. Decorative white string lights are installed in
all trees during the winter months and removed during the
warmer months. General indirect lighting is provided from
the storefront display lighting and overhead decorative
string lights at some of the restaurant outdoor seating
areas. No buildings in OTS appear to have any architectural
lighting illumination of their facades.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
Performance Art (piano, sculpture). One of the most
enjoyable temporary art installations in Old Town Square
has been the painted pianos. These offer an informal
opportunity for individuals to have fun making music in a
public setting. The low platform located at the south end
of OTS at Mountain Avenue has been the location for stone
carving demonstrations, buskers, and the painted pianos.
Performance Stage. Constructed in 1984, the performances
in Old Town Square have outgrown the capacity of the
existing stage design due to infrastructure issues (electrical
power, lighting), size constraints (too small for larger
performance groups), equipment loading and unloading
(inadequate queuing space and loading access from
vehicles), dangerous proximity to water (electrical hazard)
and a space for the audience that is too small for larger
concert events. The stage location is close to the water
feature and loud noise from the waterfall often conflicts
with hearing a performance.
Play Area. Installed in 2004, the bear and fish sculptures
have become a beloved climbing attraction for families and
adults as well. The ground surface is a soft rubber material
and the central location of this informal play space is ideal
for parents to sit close to the children and beneath the
shade of overhead tree canopies. This area has been so
successful that there has been a great interest to expand
the number of play opportunities for families with children
in the Square.
Railings. All of the railings surrounding outdoor restaurant
seating areas have been designed with a consistent
decorative steel pattern and are permanently anchored into
the brick pavers. As a result, any removal of these railings
will leave permanent scars in the paving surface. The
railings in front of Lucky Joe’s has been adapted with a logo-
printed fabric mesh attached to the front of the railing.
Restrooms. The existing public restrooms are located in the
central pavilion in Old Town Square. There have recently
been questionable behaviors in the restrooms at various
hours of the day and evening resulting in the perception of
the facilities being unsafe for the general population to use.
The kiosk and restrooms will be deconstructed as part of
the OTS renovation. Public restrooms will be replaced in a
new and still undetermined location within the Square.
Informal performance on the painted piano
Children playing on the bear and fish sculptures
Summer concert in the OTS stage
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
Shade. Shade in Old Town Square is provided by a
continuous canopy of mature shade trees on the south
portion of the Square, table umbrellas at many of the
outdoor dining areas, overhead steel and fabric structures
(CooperSmith’s) and permanent retractable storefront
awnings on most of the buildings facing onto the Square.
It has been mentioned that due to the lack of shade in
the central portion of the Square, the open space can get
uncomfortably hot in the summer.
Signage (wayfinding, identification, historical). Old Town
Square has a number of different signs posted throughout
the Plaza including; OTS Plaza Rules explaining hours of
operation and restrictions (city ordinances), history of Fort
Collins (from Downtown Fort Collins), video surveillance
signage, skateboarding restrictions, and “keep out of
planters” (Old Town Square signage). A stone plaque
acknowledging the 25th year of operation is located
near the central water feature. There are no apparent
wayfinding signs located within Old Town Square. The only
historical information about OTS is located on the kiosk at
the entrance to CooperSmith’s Alley on Mountain Avenue.
Several temporary banner signs have been suspended by
ropes from building faces. The only dedicated sign “Old
Town Square” is mounted channel letters on the face of
the bridge above Trimble Court. Temporary light pole
banners are located throughout the Square. There are
several historic advertising signs painted on the brick walls
of buildings. The most notable historic sign is the recently
restored Coca-Cola sign above the CooperSmith’s Alley. A
number of businesses in OTS have blade signs above their
storefronts.
Site Furniture. Old Town Square has a small number of
movable metal and wood benches located on the south
portion of the plaza, in the central core near CooperSmith’s
and the far north end adjacent to Walnut Street. Many of
these are relocated during festivals and special events to
allow space for 10’x10’ tents. The plaza has a number of
city standard trash receptacles and Big Belly solar recycling
containers are located on the west side of the kiosk and at
the south end of the plaza. Precast concrete planters and
ash trays are grouped near trash receptacles and benches.
Sound (speakers). There is no evidence of any sound
system or audio speakers in Old Town Square.
Storefronts. All of the buildings facing onto Old Town
Square have glass storefronts with entrances and display
windows appropriate for the historical context of Old
Town. A good example of a successful storefront is Lucky
Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon with gold leaf signage on the glass
windows, multicolored storefront panels, overhead blade
sign and three retractable fabric awnings. Most buildings
have retractable sloped fabric storefront awnings. Several
storefronts have permanent non-moving fabric awnings.
Old Town Square logo
Bench seating in the center of Old Town Square
Informal bistro seating at the Little Bird cafe
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
Transit. The Fort Collins transit center is located several
blocks northwest of Old Town Square. Taxi cabs and CSU
shuttles are available for students to board at the south
end of the Square at Mountain Avenue. There is no clear
evidence of a local bus stop adjacent to OTS.
Trash. The plaza has a number of city standard trash
receptacles and Big Belly solar recycling containers are
located on the west side of the kiosk and at the south
end of the plaza. Large trash dumpsters that serve the
majority of the east side restaurants are grouped behind
CooperSmith’s and shielded from view with brick and
wood enclosures. Pickup of these trash dumpsters occurs
on Walnut Street. Grease stained concrete unit pavers are
prevalent near all trash dumpster locations. Trash storage
and pick up on the west side of OTS occurs in Whitton Court
Alley (West) in a protected are behind the buildings.
Water Feature. The centrally located iconic water feature
is the most photographed element in Old Town Square.
Installed in 1984 as part of the original construction, the
fountain includes a lower “moat” area in front of the stage.
Due to recent changes in health regulations, the original
intention of having a water feature to step into and play
near is no longer allowed. A beautiful bronze sculpture
of Canada Geese is mounted to the top of the natural
stone water feature. Because of the nostalgic value of the
fountain as a gathering spot, photo opportunity and favored
city icon, the fountain is considered by many individuals as
one of the site elements that should stay connected with
Old Town Square in some newer and updated condition.
Water Fountain. A single public drinking fountain is located
in the south portion of the Square. The water supply is
outdated and needs to be replaced.
Trash enclosure in Walnut Court
Tourist taking a photograph of the central water feature
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SURROUNDING AREA
SURROUNDING AREA CONDITIONS
When approaching the redesign of Old Town Square, it is
important to understand the surrounding neighborhood
businesses, pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, existing
and proposed development patterns, streetscape design,
architecture and overall character. The following list is a
brief description of the neighboring streets and alleys of
Old Town Square;
Alleys. The most improved alley connecting to Old Town
Square is Trimble Court, connecting the center of OTS to
College Avenue. Recently renovated, the paved passageway
is lined with planters, seating, overhead lighting and
shops. The south portion of the alley serves as loading and
service access to the restaurants and retail shops. When
walking from College Avenue to OTS, one immediately
sees and hears the central water feature which establishes
a destination to the alley. An overhead sign “Old Town
Square” is mounted to the second level bridge connecting
the office buildings.
Whitton Court Alley (West) is another primary vehicular
and pedestrian direct link to Old town Square and has not
been improved beyond its utilitarian function. This alley
will become more of a pedestrian link to OTS now that
the nearby downtown transit center is operational. The
alley serves as loading and service access to businesses
on College Avenue and OTS and also becomes the
primary staging area and loading zone for equipment
used in musical events held in the Square. Whitton Court
Alley (West) would be a safer and more effectively used
connection to OTS if it were to have upgraded lighting,
improved trash and service functions, more building
openings onto the alley and improved finishes.
College Avenue. This primary commercial street has an
important relationship to Old Town Square by linking other
downtown commercial businesses and the Colorado State
University campus to OTS. Pedestrians access the Square
from College Avenue via Trimble Court and from the
corner of Mountain Avenue and College Avenue. Historic
architecture along College Avenue adds to the overall scale
and charm of downtown Fort Collins and reinforce the “old
town” character of the multi-block district.
Linden Street. When Old Town Square was first developed,
Linden Street was a block with marginal businesses, historic
buildings in disrepair and perceived as a blighted portion
of the downtown. Today, Linden Street has benefited
Entrance to Trimble Court from College Avenue
View of Linden Street looking north from Walnut Street intersection
Entrance to Trimble Court from Old Town Square
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
EXISTING CONDITIONS | SURROUNDING AREA
View looking east along Mountain Avenue
View of Linden Hotel at intersection of Walnut and Linden Streets
from numerous investments in restoring the historic
architecture, upgrading street and sidewalk amenities,
added landscaping, signage and public art. This once “back
door” to Old Town Square is now a viable linkage to OTS
from the river district and commercial blocks with housing,
numerous businesses, restaurants and brewpubs. Several
recently improved alleys link to Linden Street and are
popular destinations for pedestrians walking through this
downtown district. Large public events such as running
marathons, concerts, and festivals are staged on Linden
Street. It is the desire of the Downtown Development
Authority and City of Fort Collins to begin exploring design
concepts for improving the 200 block of Linden Street and
integrating it more closely with Old Town Square.
Walnut Street. This constantly improving street lined
with historic architecture, restaurants and sandwich
shops is ideally paired with the businesses and activities
of Old Town Square. The Old Firehouse and Linden Hotel
buildings are two of the most iconic historical buildings in
the downtown district. Many of the daily deliveries and
trash pickup for OTS occur on Walnut Street, often with
delivery trucks parked in the center of the street. Due to
the increased traffic influenced by downtown revitalization
and improved neighborhood businesses, the congestion
at the intersection of Walnut and Linden Streets needs to
be evaluated for pedestrian safety at the crossing between
Linden Street and Old Town Square.
Mountain Avenue. This downtown arterial has been slowly
redeveloped over the past two decades and includes
the central parking structure for the downtown district.
Mountain Avenue serves as the “front door” to Old Town
Square and the direct link to College Avenue and the CSU
campus. There are ongoing studies to close the one block
long section of Mountain Avenue just east of College
Avenue between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekends in order
to alleviate some of the pedestrian congestion at the south
entrance to OTS. One of the potential enhancements to
Mountain Avenue may be improved pedestrian crossings
between the public parking facility and the Old Town
district.
Parking. Available vehicular parking in the Old Town district
is supplied by numerous on-street diagonal 2-hour free
parking spaces throughout the downtown district. The
downtown parking garage offers long term parking at
reasonable rates. There is an ongoing parking study for
downtown Fort Collins which will help identify current
and future parking needs. Bicycle parking is supplied
by dedicated bike parking racks on Walnut Street and
temporary bike parking racks on Mountain Avenue. Due
to the popularity of bike ridership in Fort Collins, more
permanent bike parking options need to be explored.
View looking east along Walnut Street
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT
SECTION 3
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
The most valuable initiative of this program planning
process was soliciting candid feedback about Old Town
Square from different stakeholders, businesses, city
officials and user groups. The first task was to identify
key individuals and organizations directly involved with
the OTS and schedule two-hour work sessions with
them. Primary stakeholders that the DDA planning team
identified included: DDA board and staff; City Manager’s
Office executive staff; City departments such as Parks,
Utilities, Police Services, Poudre Fire Authority; Bohemian
Foundation; Progressive Old Town Square Properties
(POTS); Old Town Square businesses (owners, employees);
”Visit Fort Collins” staff; Downtown Fort Collins Business
Association; and Colorado State University.
The DDA staff worked tirelessly to coordinate nine
different stakeholder meetings and three separate public
open house events over a period of six weeks from early
April to mid-May 2014. The core project team (DDA,
Ditesco, and studioINSITE) first developed a list of eight
primary questions that each stakeholder would be asked
to answer. The questions were carefully worded to stay
clear of detailed or technical issues, but rather ask general
questions about “how you use OTS, what programs have
been popular, what could use improving, what must not
change, how businesses could be more successful” and
more. Due to the technical specificity of the stage design
and operations, the team developed a supplemental set
of questions used only in the meeting with the Bohemian
Foundation on May 14th.
In addition to the formal stakeholder interviews, the project
team organized three exciting and interactive public open
houses, two “drop-in” public workshops located within
the Old Town Square kiosk (now rebranded the “OTS
Renovation Headquarters”) and the third more formal
advertised public workshop at the Community Room of
the 215 North Mason City Office Building. Public outreach
was also extended beyond the three open house events by
posting the eight questions on a dedicated website allowing
individuals to access the questions from their smart phones
using a Quick Response (QR) Code. The following two lists
of questions were used consistently throughout the entire
public outreach process.
GENERAL STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONS
(used for all stakeholder meetings except the Bohemian Foundation)
1. What features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
20
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
BOHEMIAN FOUNDATION QUESTIONS
(used only for the May 14th meeting)
GENERAL STAGE INFORMATION
1. What are some examples of successful stage/
performance areas located in a space similar in scale to Old
Town Square?
2. What would be the ideal location/orientation for stage(s)
in Old Town Square? Why?
3. What performer based amenities should be considered
in a new stage design?
4. What is the typical size of performance groups (largest?)
5. What are the typical types of performers and
performances? Would possibilities expand with a new stage
design?
ACOUSTICS
1. Are there any specific requirements you would like the
design team to address regarding acoustics or noise control
(e.g., cross-communication on stage, platform height,
reflective surfaces directed toward audience or performers,
etc.)?
ELECTRICAL
1. How do electrical capabilities/locations function now?
Improvements?
LIGHTING
1. Are you satisfied with the current performance lighting
system? If not, what improvements are desirable?
2. Are there any “lessons learned” that you can share with
us with respect to the stage lighting?
3. What would an “ideal” stage lighting system look like?
4. Are there lighting systems or technology with which you
are familiar that you would like us to consider?
5. Ideally, how would you like the “non-performance” plaza
lighting to respond to when performance events occur?
6. Any desire for permanent point to point AV & lighting
infrastructure such as power pedestals, AV & lighting
pedestals, permanent lighting positions, etc.?
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS AND OPEN HOUSES
The following list of Old Town Square stakeholder
meetings is an abbreviated summary of each meeting.
Selected highpoints from each meeting are included.
Detailed meeting notes and lists of attendees for each
meeting are included in the appendix of this document.
OTS project team touring Old Town Square
Old Town Square “Central Plaza”
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #1
April 4, 2014 1:00-3:00 p.m., DDA offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
Downtown Business Association, POTS, City Parks
Department
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Downtown Business Association, POTS
and Parks and Recreation Department. This included a
“walk thru” of Old Town Square and a thorough explanation
of the existing plaza conditions, events, activities,
operational issues and other characteristics of OTS. This
meeting was held prior to the creation of the questionnaire.
HIGHPOINTS:
• Need for an enforceable border for events with beer
consumption
• Need for more power, lighting and water for organized
events
• OTS has 35 light poles and 70 banners within the
Square (only banners in downtown)
• There is a desperate need for more 10’x10’ booth
spaces at OTS
• Inadequate space for sponsorship signage
• Public toilets are a huge challenge
• Need for comprehensive solution to handle trash and
grease pickup
• Trimble Court primary staging area for all events
• No audio speakers anywhere in OTS
• Very proud of the public art program, some pieces are
on loan
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #2
April 18, 2014 8:00-10:00 a.m., Home State Bank
STAKEHOLDERS:
Old Town Square Business Owners
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from local businesses that are in or around Old
Town Square. The group was fully engaged with the process
and had constructive comments regarding the eight (8)
questions.
HIGHPOINTS:
• South side of Square with shade and seating very
successful
• Like the intimacy of the stage area
• Enjoy the historic buildings and architecture
• The ice rink was great when it was in the Square
• Restrooms attract undesirable activity
• Crosswalk access to the public parking garage on
Mountain Ave needed
• Would like more plaques telling the history of Old
Town
• Stairs often trip people
• More outdoor activities for children
• Want to keep the “cozy” feel of Old Town Square
Carriage rides on Mountain Avenue
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #3
April 18, 2014 1:00-3:00 p.m., DDA offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
City of Fort Collins Planning and Engineering Departments
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City departments including
utilities, engineering, and planning. The group was fully
engaged with the process and had constructive comments
regarding the eight (8) questions.
HIGHPOINTS:
• Very excited when “Social” was developed below
grade
• Successful events “we’re loving it to death”
• Would like the new plaza to be versatile, modular and
adaptable
• Old Town Square is the “wheel” of downtown
• Hidden pockets possible danger to women late at night
• East side of the south end a “dead zone” with little
activity
• Back alleys are unsuccessful
• Need more creative activities to attract people
• Pedestrian feel and connections are great
• How about a glass blowing shop and artisan
demonstrations
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #4
April 24, 2014 9:00-11:00 a.m., DDA offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
City Manager’s Executive Staff, DDA Board Subcommittee
members, civic partners
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City Administration and
other individuals with long term involvement in Old Town
Square. The group was fully engaged with the process
and had constructive comments regarding the eight (8)
questions.
HIGHPOINTS:
• What is being proposed for this project is simply
“managing success”
• Variety of spaces to sit throughout OTS is nice
• Would still like to see kids interacting with the fountain
• ROMEO (really old men eating out) need places to
hang out
• OTS in heart of downtown and represents best of the
west and Fort Collins
• Like to see shops open later at night, with storefront
illumination
• Want Brewfest back in OTS if it were more intimate
• How about a chalk art festival
• Tie the River District to OTS, not the other way around
Benches, seat walls and mature landscaping at Old Town Square
23
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #5
April 24, 2014 1:00-3:00 p.m., DDA offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
City of Fort Collins Police and Poudre Fire Authority officials
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City Police and Fire
Services.
HIGHPOINTS:
• This has to remain an attraction for people of Fort
Collins to visit
• Cops work in pairs, summer on bikes, two cars always
near the perimeter of OTS
• OTS police are hand picked for their abilities to handle
situations between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
• Testing late night shutting down Mountain between
Remington and College for crowd control
• Would like direct control of OTS lighting for emergency
illumination
• Additional lighting in the alleys
• Need to keep sight lines open as there are too many
places to hide
• Must have 14 foot clearance during construction for
emergency vehicles
• Fire lane and pull off is a big concern for fire
department as it is used by others
• Bathrooms and stage area dangerous trip hazards,
poor sight lines and homeless hangout
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #6
May 7, 2014 8:00-10:00 a.m., CooperSmith’s Restaurant
STAKEHOLDERS:
Old Town Square business owners
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individual Old Town Square business owners.
HIGHPOINTS:
• Fountain can be relocated but some form of water is
needed in OTS
• Current pavers can be tripping hazard, consider using
brick pavers
• Need better seating opportunities, current walls not
conducive for sitting
• Bear/fish pull families into Old Town Square
• Banners promote CSU and are not unique for Old Town
Square. Need to change
• Suggest an “architecture walk” to help visitors
understand history of buildings
• Like to wander in and out, linger, listen to music, stay
late
• Pianos are fun, add sound and more entertainment,
control decibel levels
• Reinforce the “authentic” character, no gimmicks just
pure Fort Collins
• Bike racks really needed in convenient locations –
artsy in nature, not off the shelf
Writing comments at the May 14th public open house
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #7
May 14, 2014 9:00-11:00 a.m., Bohemian Foundation offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
Bohemian Foundation
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was to evaluate the existing
performance stage and its infrastructure and determine, in
general terms, what is needed in a new stage for Old Town
Square. Because this user group is generally more focused
on the design of the stage, a more specific list of questions
was established. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is
as follows:
HIGHPOINTS:
• Other successful venues include Toronto’s Distillery
District, Old Town Pasadena, Liege Belgium
• Ideal to allow for good ingress and egress from stage,
good “front of house” location
• Angled stage good for acoustics on adjacent buildings
and create a unique space
• Design a permanent truss over the stage for lighting
and speakers
• Underground sleeves for wiring and electrical cables
• Average group size on stage is 5-10 performers,
rectangular stage ideal
• Acoustics should accommodate the whole family, kids
and elderly – lawn chair crowd
• Tivoli lights in the alleys would be a good addition
• Complete controls of stage lighting and audience area
lighting during performances
• Design stage for other flexible uses when not active as
a performance space
• No “Disneyfication”
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #8
May 14, 2014 1:00-3:00 p.m., DDA offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
Downtown Business Association and City Parks Department
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting was a followup to the April
4th site walk-thru with these individuals in order to gain
additional feedback from the questionnaire.
HIGHPOINTS:
• Water feature great for photo-ops
• What if the bear and fish could speak – become more
interactive
• Oak Street Plaza popular because of its fountains
• Seasonal holiday lights great, could work if year round
lighting like Larimer Square
• How about a window display competition like 5th Ave
in New York
• Create infrastructure for year round events, seasonal
use of planters, lighting, signage
• Mobile tables and chairs throughout plaza
• Could use storage beneath the stage for events
• Need a storage room for maintenance, ladders, tools,
hoses, barricades, irrigation equipment
• Interactive wall for photos, messages, art, not gum
Summer concert series at Old Town Square
25
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STAKEHOLDER MEETING #9
May 17, 2014 12:00-1:00 p.m., DDA Offices
STAKEHOLDERS:
Brian Soukup and Ed Stoner, POTS
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting/luncheon was to gain
feedback from two individuals directly involved with the
management and building ownership of Old Town Square.
HIGHPOINTS:
• They are open to the idea of relocating the restrooms
and creating another freestanding restroom building
in Whitton Court Alley (West) or Whitton Court Alley
(East) or both
• Applying banners to the faces of buildings is
acceptable
• They would like to maintain views of the stage,
fountain and geese from their offices
• More lighting in Whitton Court Alley (East) and
Whitton Court Alley (West) or both is encouraged
• Replace all outdated globe lighting fixtures
• Willingness to closing the public restrooms at 10 p.m.
• Look into possible upgrades to the existing building
facades and possible basement expansion
• Extend fiber optic cables from the east to the west
side of OTS buildings
OPEN HOUSE #1
May 14, 2014 3:30-7:30 p.m., Community Room, 215
Mason City Office Building
STAKEHOLDERS:
Fort Collins General Public
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder meeting “pubic open house” was
organized to allow the general public to review the eight
questions and solicit their individual feedback using sticky
pads to write comments on enlarged site plans of Old Town
Square.
HIGHPOINTS:
• Water fountain is a great attraction but also is a big
problem
• Love the stage and music, mature trees and
landscaping, patios, sculptures and interactive art
• Like OTS to work, eat, drink beer, people watch, relax,
shop, drink coffee, brewery tours
• Don’t have realities events, tricycle races, midweek
concerts, or random events
• Would like wide range of music, car show, 1st night,
holiday lights, New West Fest, Bohemian Nights,
foodie walk
• Solve pedestrian crossing Walnut Street at Linden
Street
• Improve restrooms and lighting, remove kiosk and
horse sculpture, add housing above buildings in alleys,
more police presence
• Would likes second story seating overlooking plaza
• Greater emphasis on CSU connection - Ram pride
Discussing planning ideas at the May 14th public open house
Discussing ideas at the May 14th public open house
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
26
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
KIOSK INTERACTIVE OPEN HOUSE #2
May 2, 2014 “First Friday” 4:00-7:30 p.m., Old Town Square
Pavilion
KIOSK INTERACTIVE OPEN HOUSE #3
May 17, 2014 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Old Town Square
Pavilion
STAKEHOLDERS:
Fort Collins General Public
DESCRIPTION:
These two stakeholder “public open houses” were
organized to allow the general public to interact with
OTS design team and DDA staff and offer their comments
about Old Town Square and participate in an interactive
tabletop exercise and write their comments on the pavilion
windows.
HIGHPOINTS:
1. What is your favorite element of Old Town Square?
• Leave old stage and bleachers as is for us locals to
sit and play, outdoor dining and live music concerts;
terraces – multiple levels; more outside patios;
farmers’ markets; gas lights; plantings; mobile vendors;
outdoor eating/drink options; Christmas lights; local
bands; breakfast place; sno cones;
2. If you spent your ideal afternoon in Old Town Square
what would you do?
• CSU art student display area; area for teaching
demonstrations; underground; public restrooms,
disney statue; drinks on the patio (5 responses),
extend fountain; patio furniture; Old Town Square
lawn; flowers; picnic
3. Which event in Old Town Square is your favorite?
• Trick or treat for tots; NewWestFest; live music on the
square (2 responses); BrewFest – duh!:); zombie fest; a
river runs through it
4. What is the one thing Old Town Square needs?
• Rooftop bar; better patio fences; round stage; keep
concert bleachers for people to visit; tivoli lighting;
heated areas; solar panels; balconies; large designated
grassy concert area; retractable sail system;
bathrooms!!!!!; close down Walnut from College to
Mountain; close down Linden to Riverside; lights in
ground that shine up to reflectors – could be solar;
ice rink!!!; dog park; kids water feature like Museum
of Art; bigger playground; year round Santa; place
where folks can actually play in the water; hammered
dulcimer in Jazz Alley; bistro tables; as the climate gets
hotter we’ll need shade (canvas?) on seating areas!
keep us cool!!; local vendor tours; coffee shop
5. How frequently do you visit the Square?
• One participant responded that this was his/her first
time
• Two participants responded they visit daily
• Fives participants responded they visit several times
per week
Public input during the May 2nd Pavilion open house
Inspiration wall at the May 2nd Pavilion open house
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
Informal performance in Old Town Square
INTERACTIVE ONLINE SURVEY
May 1-23, 2014
STAKEHOLDERS:
Fort Collins General Public
DESCRIPTION:
This stakeholder “interactive online survey” was organized
by DDA staff and Slate Communications to solicit feedback
from the general public – many of whom could not
attend the open houses but still wanted to offer valuable
comments about the future of Old Town Square. The
online survey was advertised in the DDA newsletter and
accessed through a QR code handed out in the Square
and reproduced on graphic boards. A full summary of the
comments is included in the appendix of this document. A
brief summary of the online survey comments is below:
Highpoints:
• Favorite elements are: stage, fountain, patio dining,
trees, architecture, gathering spaces, family friendly,
pedestrian only, walkability, live music, mature
landscaping
• We love to eat dinner on the patio and then listen to
live music from the stage
• I hang out with officer Todd Hopkins – great
ambassador who works hard to try and combat
concerns of residents and business owners
• I eat lunch, have ice cream, play the public piano,
sit on the steps and enjoy the fountain. Browse the
hypothetical bookstore.
• I would likely wander with the family on College
Avenue and use Old Town Square to cut through to get
to a restaurant or coffee shop that I can actually eat
or drink the items on the menu. I might stop in a few
shops to check out items while the hubby played with
the kids on the small play area and tried to keep them
out of the fountain.
• As I stroll through the Square I might stop at one
end and listen to a small acoustic band at one end of
the square, then sit and enjoy a bite from Little Bird
at a shaded table (without cigarette smoke wafting
though the square) and continue my stroll to the other
end to watch an artist creating something beautiful
right in front of me. The casual and rich experience is
important, as well as the evening concerts that bring
our community together to share a fun evening in song
and dance
• Favorite events: New West Fest, summer concerts,
Thursday Night concerts, Old Town Book Fair, First
Night, low key events, Brewfest, New Belgium’s Tour
de Fat
• Need to make the mall larger by closing Linden Street
and Walnut Street to traffic
• I would like to have a better stage and sound, more
patios, more space
• Reduce gathering places for homeless and other
unsightly characters
• Old Town Square needs better lighting and better
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
SECTION 4
PROJECT TEAM
RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
The Old Town Square project team organized a research
field trip on May 5, 2014 to visit four projects in the Denver
Metropolitan area with the goal to observe, discuss and
document aspects of each project that were both positive
and negative. This learning experience enabled the team
to discuss design concepts and construction details that
might relate to the Old Town Square renovation. The four
locations visited were in Downtown Denver (14th Street
Renovation, Larimer Square, Writer Square and Skyline
Park), Cherry Creek (Clayton Lane, Filmore Plaza and
Fountain Plaza), Belmar Town Center, and Boulder (One
Boulder Plaza and Boulder Mall). The following pages are a
summary of the positive and negative comments from the
group review session on May 23, 2014.
14TH STREET RENOVATION PROJECT
The team was very positive about the overall design and
detailing of the streetscape project. Comments:
• Unique sub-surface tree grate system and decorative
trough design
• Saw-cut joints good look, design/ personality/ pattern
base on musical scales
• Consider new trees at OTS with this new system
• Overall continuity of branding the street with
furniture, graphics and details
• Different personality and design concept for each
individual block create elements of discovery
• Enhanced paving
• Need to carefully coordinate any expansion joints with
paving pattern as there were concrete cracks observed Pavement patterns on 14th Street using sandblasted concrete
Landscape planters on 14th Street
Information and wayfinding signage kiosks on 14th Street
OTS Project Team reviewing the 14th Street design
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
30
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
• Signage geared to both pedestrians and automobiles
• Reuse of sidewalk water drained into planters –
caution to maintain openings to avoid clogging
• Feels like a designed space
• LED lighting in pavement adds night time interest to
sidewalks
• Ability to change color of LED lighting to respond to
seasonal and sporting events
• Graphic emblem repeated throughout to reflect an
“ambassador street” theme
• Sidewalk pattern and signage kiosks on Curtis Street
reinforce a concept of celebration
• Curtis Street underground sound art very surprising
and successful
_______________________________________________
LARIMER SQUARE
The team was quite positive about the overall street
treatment but was concerned about the inconsistent
pavement (problems with high heels) and the bulkiness of
the light fixtures. Comments:
• Love the overhead Tivoli lighting system
• Light fixtures are very well crafted but may be over
designed and bulky.
• Overall lighting in the block is messy with too many
electrical cords strung overhead
• Blade signs at storefront very effective
• Uneven stone paving with numerous wide joints
problem for women wearing high heels
• Secret back alley and openings through buildings very
similar to OTS, found spaces
• It felt good to be there in Larimer Square
• All outdoor patios have movable fencing
Stone planter detail at 14th Street
Overhead festival lighting at Larimer Square
Larimer Square lighting element
Rear alleyway behind Larimer Square
Larimer Square sidewalk stone paving
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
SKYLINE PARK
The team observed the park as having poor maintenance,
closed public toilets and a stark underused plaza – thus
leaving everyone with a negative impression of this
redesigned plaza from the original Lawrence Halpern
design. Comments:
• Overall space is “dead”, feels “hard”
• Information center and public toilets closed with no
signage explanation
• Large grass area mostly dead – leaving a negative
impression of either being overused or poorly
maintained
WRITER SQUARE
The team appreciated the overall concept behind Writer
Square but really disliked the recent redesign of the two
plazas. The overall impression of this development was
quite negative. Comments:
• Art and sculpture appears “plopped down” in the
space
• Token blade signs and small fabric banners ineffective
• Nothing about Writer Square appears in harmony
• Plaza design is stark, cold and with too many railings at
the stepped areas
• Water feature has no obvious purpose and has no
nearby seating
• Modern fixed seating, tables and metal umbrellas are
inappropriate, inflexible and offensive
• Overall concrete paving has no scoring pattern or
intentional design concept
Touring Writer Square plaza adjacent to 16th Street Mall Skyline Park plaza adjacent to the 16th Street Mall
Fixed plaza furniture at Writer Square adjacent to 15th Street
Poorly maintained grass area at Skyline Park
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TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
CLAYTON LANE
The team appreciated the overall concept behind
Clayton Lane (former Sears Auto Center site) but had
mixed reactions to the detailing of the sidewalk paving.
Comments:
• Not a fan of the pavers in Clayton Lane, they look
cheap
• Paving materials have settled differently and could
cause a tripping hazard, not interlocking
• Umbrellas are nice
• Tactile feel of walking over a mix of concrete and brick
• Beautiful light poles as they are light in color and
transparent due to the four thin upright supports
• “Cherry” logo repeated on all light fixtures is a good
design element
Sidewalk paving pattern at Clayton Lane
Clayton Lane signage, landscape planter and street lighting
Bench and planter at Clayton Lane
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
FILMORE PLAZA
The team was very impressed with the overall design and
construction of Filmore Plaza and commented that this
might be a excellent approach for treating Linden Street in
Fort Collins. Comments:
• “Best” flow between the drive lane and pedestrian
walkway (curbless space)
• Continuous trench drain appears to be undersized
• Moveable planters a great idea, wheels beneath hard
to push, speculate a pallet jack is needed to relocate
them
• Retractable bollards very good looking
• Effective integration of electrical connections
hidden in wall
• Overhead canvas structure becomes roof over stage
when street is closed for Cherry Creek Arts Festival
• Overall color scheme very pleasing
• Benches with sloping backs very beautiful
Recessed electrical connections in Filmore Plaza wall Overhead lighting element
Decorative bench at Filmore Plaza
View of Filmore Plaza looking south towards Cherry Creek Mall
Removable bollard
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34
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
FOUNTAIN PLAZA
The team visited a thirty year old privately developed plaza
in the heart of Cherry Creek and found it to be an intimate
plaza with many strong amenities. Comments:
• DazBog coffee shop activated the space with casual
outdoor tables and chairs
• Denver B cycle program integrated into the plaza
space adjacent to a parking structure
• Staggered tree spacing created more shade than a
standard linear pattern
• Water feature well maintained and created ambient
background sound
• Interesting “European” paving pattern in sidewalk
Informal seating at Fountain Plaza
Water feature and bronze sculpture at Fountain Plaza
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
BELMAR TOWN CENTER
The team approached the plaza with high expectations
but had strong mixed feelings about some of the design
elements and overall sight lines. Comments:
• Public bathrooms (closed at 10p.m.) are in great
condition, overhead rolling grilles flush with the
building face eliminate hidden pocket
• Businesses surrounding the plaza half empty, need to
do more to support empty spaces
• Overall sense of it being a community space but not a
park, no people in it
• Awkward layout of buildings surrounding the plaza as
it cannot be easily seen from the adjacent street
• Vertical columns surrounding the central oval are not
pleasing design
• All disliked the oversized umbrellas – both in their
open and closed position
• Poor execution of electrical wiring in site trees
• Tacky rope lighting on the fencing surrounding outdoor
dining spaces
• Minimal bike rack design
• All liked the movable fencing with small base plates
around the outdoor dining, disliked those with
oversized base plates
• The water feature was a very effective sculptural
element when water was turned off, interesting
climbing wall for children
Winter view of the Belmar Town Center water feature
Movable outdoor dining fencing at Belmar Town Center
OTS Project team touring the Belmar Town Center
Bike rack for two bicycles Signage for public restrooms
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TEAM RESEARCH FIELD TRIP
ONE BOULDER PLAZA
The team anticipated visiting this space due to promotional
photographs found on the internet but was generally
disappointed with the plaza and how it has been
maintained, managed and designed. Comments:
• Integration of bike lanes into the overall plan very
effective
• Poor seat walls throughout as they are too low, sloped
cap uncomfortable to sit on
• “Lizards” logo integrated into the walls has no obvious
reason or “theme” for being there
• Central fountain leaking water everywhere and looks
more like a hot tub
• Restaurants once surrounding the plaza now closed
and converted to office space making the plaza
inactive and “dead”
• Scars in pavement from where outside dining fencing
was removed
• Light fixtures retrofitted with speakers had exposed
wiring everywhere
OTS Project team touring One Boulder Plaza Children’s play area on the Boulder Mall
Boulder Mall light fixture
BOULDER MALL
The team briefly visited the Boulder Mall and was especially
impressed with the children’s play area. Overall impressions
of the mall and public toilets was that it was somewhat
dated. Comments:
• Children’s play area was very effective use of natural
stone but lacked seating for adults
• Mushroom heaters at outdoor dining areas in bad
condition and multiple gas canisters very dangerous
• Light poles had too many elements on them (lights,
multiple trash containers, signage, banners, planters)
Portable heater and propane tanks
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QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
SECTION 5
QUALITIES OF GREAT
PUBLIC SPACES
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
38
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
Successful public spaces are difficult to accomplish and
because of their complexity are rarely understood unless
they are measured against a list of key elements that form
public places. studioINSITE has identified a list of fourteen
elements we believe help create vibrant community
places. Before we begin any schematic design process for a
public plaza, square, street, sidewalk improvement or any
other outdoor spaces that have public uses in common,
we always are conscious of these fourteen principles
throughout our design process:
CONTEXT ESTABLISHES THE PLACE
No successful public plaza has ever been designed without
carefully relating to its surrounding context – the physical
environment, history of the place, and cultural aesthetic.
Old Town Square is located at the geometric convergence
of the Downtown Fort Collins grid and in the heart of
the historic district. Over thirty years, OTS has served as
a public showcase for art, performances, shopping, and
dining in a setting rich in historic character. Connected with
numerous alleys and street intersections, the Square serves
as a cultural destination and architectural ambassador
promoting the best of Fort Collins.
THE COMMUNITY KNOWS BEST
The renovation of Old Town Square is unique to Fort Collins
and the talents and assets within its community. Tapping
into the knowledge of local residents, business owners,
office workers, public officials and tourists at the onset of
a design process will promote community partnership in
the process and ownership in the design. They have the
imbedded historical perspective, valuable insights into how
OTS functions, an understanding of critical issues and what
is truly meaningful to the Fort Collins community.
MOVEMENT ANIMATES AND DELIGHTS
Great public spaces are never static but continuously
changing during a 24 hour period and throughout the year.
Consider Old Town Square as a “flexible platform” capable
of redefining itself over and over again with programmed
events, spontaneous or repetitive daily rituals, seasonal
landscape changes, new businesses and an ongoing wave of
people interacting with the space and observing each other
enjoying the dynamic convergence of activities.
Public chalk arts festival in historic district
Outdoor dining in historic district
Dance performance with historic building background
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
EASY TO FIND AND MOVE THROUGH
There are two very different categories of people who
typically visit Old Town Square; local residents, workers
and students who have previously visited OTS and are
quite familiar with the space, and visitors (tourists, family
members of CSU students) who are unfamiliar with the
overall plan. Our challenge as planners and designers is
to strategically locate elements that identify the Square
from the surrounding downtown area, organize elements
within the Square for optimum use while maintaining the
ability for people to circulate through without interference.
Identifiable architecture, iconic site elements, wayfinding
and gateway signage and clear circulation patterns each
add to a positive experience for first time and repeat users
of Old Town Square.
A PLACE EVERYONE CAN USE
To make a place that is truly usable for all ages and abilities,
physical elements must be incorporated that make people
welcome and comfortable, such as a variety of seating,
landscaping that provides shade and seasonal beauty and
careful management of circulation spaces that relate to
the shops on the Square and to the variety of organized
events. It is easy to say that we can design for all types and
ages, but it is not an easy task to accomplish. Old Town
Square has two very different periods of time in which it is
used – the daytime users (families, workers and restaurant
patrons) and the night time users (students, young adults
and bar patrons). Creating a place that can seamlessly
accommodate both user groups is our goal.
URBAN FORM AND SCALE
A successful public space has design continuity throughout
that carefully integrates with the historic architecture,
established street and alley patterns, materials, and
especially the scale of the different spaces. Old Town
Square has three distinct scales of public space; the 100
foot wide north space where the main stage is located,
the narrower south space lined with shade trees and three
unique alley spaces that feed into and out of the Square.
A new intervention in OTS should maintain continuity of
an overall design palette but reveal distinct variations
that relate specifically to each of the different size spaces,
promoting their individual characteristics and qualities.
Street festival in historic downtown
Ice skating rink at Belmar Town Center
Outdoor dining area in Larimer Square
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
40
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION
People engage with each other in a public space when
presented with delight, humor, entertainment, food,
information, shopping and activity. Whether it is an
organized function or an accidental “stumbling upon” while
casually passing through the space, people love to be near
each other in public places. Some may want to sit alone
and watch others go by, or have lunch with friends in an
outdoor patio, or gather to watch children play, or squeeze
into a large audience for a musical performance. All of
these scenarios create great public places and ones we as
planners design towards.
EMOTIONALLY COMFORTABLE AND SAFE
The feeling of being safe in a public space comes from
both the physical design of the place (lighting, visibility,
materials, public bathrooms, infrastructure, security
systems) and how the space is managed (police presence,
hours of business operations, event selection and planning).
The measure of good planning and design is when people
perceive a public space to be “watched over”, properly
maintained, well managed and occupied with similarly
minded and well intentioned others.
EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
Accessibility in Old Town Square is the degree to which
a designed element, event, service or the overall
environment is made available to as many people as
possible. Although this commitment focuses on people
with disabilities or special needs and their right of access,
in a broader definition, designing for accessibility may
translate to more efficient functioning of OTS operations
such as creating accessible underground chases for running
electrical cables at a music event or finding better methods
of handling restaurant trash without interfering with the
users of Old Town Square.
Accessibility at Old Town Square
Safe children’s play space with seating for parents
Informal performance at Old Town Square
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
PROMOTES EXCHANGE OF GOODS AND
SERVICES
Successful public spaces in downtown environments
depend on a strong relationship between design of the
public space, programs offered and the types of businesses
directly and indirectly connected to the Square. Thriving
mix of shops, cafes, offices, restaurants and vendors
add to the attractiveness and liveliness of Old Town
Square. Conversely, successful redesign of the Square
will directly affect the longevity and mix of existing and
future businesses. Knowing that Old Town Square is quite
active from sunrise to late night hours, an ideal business
environment would cater to all users regardless of the time
of day. Of special note, a carefully coordinated and phased
construction process will help support businesses and avoid
loss of revenues due to concerns accessing them during
construction.
WELL-CRAFTED AND MAINTAINED
The public perception of a public space is similar to a
new restaurant – its popular when it opens and “old
news” the next day. Careful attention must be made to
select quality materials and design details that promote
durability, low maintenance and timeless aesthetics. By
avoiding questionable materials, temporary solutions and
design shortcuts, Old Town Square can be seen as going
to be there for the next generation. A well-organized
maintenance program will ensure that the architecture,
landscaping and infrastructure will always be in “picture
perfect” condition for it is common knowledge that OTS is
the most photographed location in all of Fort Collins.
PROMOTES SOCIAL INTERACTION
Social connections are constantly being made in public
spaces on many levels. For example, two individuals sitting
at an outdoor restaurant are conversing with each other
while at the same time watching others in the Square and
being observed by individuals walking by. Children playing
on the bear sculpture are enjoying the moment while
parents watch attentively nearby. Or, hundreds of attendees
at a Thursday night summer concert enjoy the music side-
by-side in front of the stage. Good planning and design
encourages social interaction from all levels, at all times of
the day or evening.
Outdoor dining in Old Town Square
Flowers for sale at an outdoor market
Outdoor dining at Old Town Square
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42
QUALITIES OF GREAT PUBLIC SPACES
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
studioINSITE is increasingly committed to planning towards
a more responsible balance of environmental, social and
economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability
involves strategies for plant and material selection and
placement, sourcing of materials and promoting alternative
methods of transportation (bicycles) at OTS. Social
sustainability is the investment in Old Town Square with
an eye on long term growth and pride for the Fort Collins
community. Seen as a regional asset, Old Town Square will
remain iconic and a local resident and tourist attraction
for decades to come. Economic sustainability promotes
economic stimulus strategies that could involve site
furniture, accessories, graphics and fencing that could be
designed and constructed by local companies.
A GREAT PLACE TO BE REMEMBERED
The vision for Old Town Square needs to come straight
from the Fort Collins community. The long term success of
OTS will come from the wonderful stories and memories
shared by former college grads now taking their own
children to enjoy the play space and fountain, or a positive
online review from a visiting family writing about their
enthusiasm for an Old Town Square musical event they
attended. Lasting positive impressions, ongoing stories and
photographic impressions all add to the branding of Old
Town Square as a great place to window shop, a fun place
to attend, a “not to miss” concert and a “must go there for
lunch” destination in Downtown Fort Collins.
Pedicab at Old Town Square
Memorable photographs at Old Town Square fountain
Showing off a new puppy at Old Town Square
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
INFRASTRUCTURE
SECTION 6
INFRASTRUCTURE
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44
INFRASTRUCTURE
The purpose of this section is to identify specific plaza
program elements, activities and physical locations in
Old Town Square and highlight important feedback from
stakeholders about each subject. A list of recommendations
is included about each subject for consideration when the
team advances to the schematic design phase of the Old
Town Square Renovation project.
GENERAL COMMENTS
What we heard:
• Keep OTS family friendly
• It is difficult to locate portable toilets during events
• Keep the European feel with hidden surprises
• It would be nice to have the return of the skating rink
• Would like to see more winter and off season activities
• Would like to see more sustainable elements in OTS
• OTS need better drainage for rain events, maybe bio
swales
• Would like to see more of a CSU presence in OTS
• Need to keep the intimacy of OTS
• Want to keep advertising/commercialism out of OTS
• Consider adding a time capsule to the space during
construction
• Record the history of when bands played in OTS
Recommendation:
• Maintain the intimate scale, historic feel and unique
“Fort Collins” character of OTS
ACTIVITIES IN OTS
What we heard:
• Need more winter activities and seasonal events
• Ice skating rink would be great if it could come back
• Concerts are always a success
• Art in Action is a success
• Art and wine walk would be nice to have
• Greek food festival is great
• Santa Search engages people in OTS
• Could there be an open beverage area in OTS (outside
the patios)
• Would be nice to have a chalk art festival or a space to
do similar art activities
• A way to team with a local museum to create different
events or educational activities
• Outdoor movie nights would be fun
Recommendation:
• Provide areas for future activities that enhance the
user experience of OTS
• Consider future events that currently don’t take place
in OTS
ALLEYS
What we heard:
• Alley are great for pedestrian access and create the
sense of discovery
• Alleys can be dangerous for women as there are hiding
places
• Alleys need better lighting for safety and just in
general
Recommendation:
• Utilize the alleys as pedestrian and service points of
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
INFRASTRUCTURE
ART/SCULPTURE
What we heard:
• Sculpture locations and individual pieces are liked
• Would like to see more sculptures or artwork
throughout the area
• Interactive sculptures would be great
• Sculptures for the kids, similar to the fish and bear
would be nice
• Don’t like the horse/bronco sculpture
• Horse sculpture has been a huge success
Recommendation:
• Allow areas for expansion of existing and new art
pieces
• Allow for different types of art to be displayed
• Look at kinetic art elements to make the space and art
pieces more interactive
• Consider making the art piece part of a local museum
and make it interactive
ARCHITECTURE
What we heard:
• Architecture is generally well received throughout the
community
• Traditional feel of the space makes it feel uniquely Ft.
Collins
• Some would like to see 2nd floor outdoor balconies or
roof top gardens / seating
Recommendation:
• Keep any new elements of the Square respectful of the
architecture that makes OTS uniquely Ft. Collins
• Explore if there is a way to utilize the roof top spaces
for added amenities to OTS (dining, Photo Voltaics)
• Look at ways to enhance the architecture through the
use of lighting
BICYCLE PARKING
What we heard:
• There is not enough bicycle parking around OTS
• Keep bikes out of OTS
• Bikes and skateboards can be a safety issue for
pedestrians
• People will lock up their bikes to almost anything
• People will still ride their bike through OTS even
though there are dismount signs visible
• Many bike racks are moved in the winter time for ease
of snow removal
Recommendation:
• Develop spaces around the perimeter of OTS that
incorporate more bicycle parking
• Keep bicycle parking out of OTS in general
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46
INFRASTRUCTURE
BUSKERS
What we heard:
• Buskers are a nice addition to the plaza however they
are not there often
• Busker areas could use better infrastructure like
electricity and even tent tie downs
Recommendation:
• Consider adding busker stations in the alley by
CooperSmith’s
• Improve infrastructure to the busker locations
CONCRETE UNIT PAVERS
What we heard:
• The pavers are nice and create a pedestrian feel
• They are high quality pavers that have lasted a long
time
• Really like the older coloring of the pavers
• Like the concrete pavers but team should consider the
use of brick pavers
Recommendation:
• Explore paving materials that support the programs of
OTS, reinforce the old town character, are durable and
easy to maintain
DELIVERIES
What we heard:
• Deliveries for events mostly happen in the Whitten
Alley which causes circulation issues
• Some equipment staging happens for performances
off Walnut Street
• Performance loading and staging gets very congested
near the restrooms
Recommendation:
• Consider staging and equipment deliveries when
determining the stage location and elements of the
plaza
• Look at different points of access and how they could
be best utilized for service
DINING (OUTDOOR)
What we heard:
• People love sitting outside and dining / drinking in the
patio space
• Outdoor dining is part of what makes OTS special
• There are safety issues with the storage of propane
tanks for some of the patio heaters
• People enjoy sitting outside while having dinner and
drinks and listening to music
• The older crowd would rather sit in a quieter spot to
enjoy background music
Recommendation:
• Keep existing outdoor dining areas while allowing for
potentially more in the future
• Explore other alternatives for heating outdoor spaces
for expanded seasonal use
• Establish a consistent fencing design and type of
furniture used in all outdoor spaces
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INFRASTRUCTURE
EMERGENCY ACCESS
What we heard:
• Emergency access starts at the Mountain Avenue
taxi stand and goes up the north side of the square,
when it gets to the fountain it turns east and then
up toward Little Bird Café and terminates at Walnut
Street. It currently is 20’ wide and has needs a 14’
clear overhead zone
• The emergency pull out area is not supposed to be
used for taxi pickup as that space is designated only for
emergency service and other licensed uses.
• Like the idea of emergency phones in OTS and DEFIB
machines
• It would be ideal for emergency responders to have
control over lighting in the alleys
Recommendation:
• Keep 20’ emergency access and 14’ overhead
clearance through the space and increase the
loading capacity of the access lane while allowing for
pedestrian movement and outdoor activities.
• Look at ways to improve infrastructure systems for
police and fire emergency use
FLAG POLES
What we heard:
• Flag poles are not noticed because of the trees
• Flag poles on north end provide lighting for Santa’s
Workshop in the winter
Recommendation:
• Keep flagpoles (3 of them) but may need to be
relocated
GATEWAY ENTRANCES
What we heard:
• There is a general lack of identification signage or
“gateways” into OTS
• Only “Old Town Square” signage is in Trimble Court on
the 2nd story crosswalk
• Some people (mainly visitors) are unaware they are
within Old Town Square
• Would like to see a better gateway entrances from
Whitten Court Alley (East) and Mountain Avenue.
Recommendation:
• Create a clear identification of entry points into OTS
• Create a gateway design that could be multi-purpose
structure (for seasonal events)
• Develop gateway entrance designs along with signage
and wayfinding
• Expand gateways beyond OTS and into the Fort Collins
Downtown
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48
INFRASTRUCTURE
GATHERING (FORMAL, INFORMAL)
What we heard:
• It would be good to have more vendor or tent space
on the south end of the square
• Mostly 10’x10’ tents are used in this format and they
impede on the pedestrian circulation in front of the
stores
• There is a lot of congestion in front of Ben & Jerry’s
and the stairs in front of the shop
• More areas for food stands would be nice
• Current gathering areas create pedestrian congestion
during events
• An outdoor fire place would be a great feature to
congregate in the winter
Recommendation:
• Consider various sized gathering spaces that can
accommodate different groups
• Develop areas for temporary 10’x10’ tent locations
that enhance pedestrian circulation
• Look at areas for where temporary trucks could be
staged for food and drink
• Consider an outdoor fire place that could act as a more
intimate gathering space
IRRIGATION
What we heard:
• Irrigation was recently updated in 2009
• Drip system has been added to the hanging baskets in
the alley and above the stage
• Adding a couple additional quick couplers may make it
better for maintenance and events that need potable
water
Recommendation:
• Keep the current irrigation system with some minor
adjustments
• Talk with parks department when designing the system
• Add water station for maintenance staff to fill water
tanks and anchoring 10’x10’ tents
KIOSK
What we heard:
• The kiosk creates hiding places for people at night and
blocks line of sight
• It cuts off views down Linden and creates a dead space
north between Walnut and the kiosk
• Kiosk is the focal point of the space and it should not be
• Bathrooms are a nice feature but they are not safe
• There is a small storage closet in the kiosk that is used
for maintenance of OTS
• Electrical equipment for the stage is also housed in the
kiosk
Recommendation:
• Remove the existing kiosk from OTS
• Relocate storage and electrical panels needed for OTS
• Consider additional storage for stage area and for
general maintenance of OTS
• Relocate public bathrooms to another area within OTS
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INFRASTRUCTURE
LANDSCAPING (TREES, FLOWERS, PLANTERS)
What we heard:
• Everybody really love the trees and the shade they
provide on the south side
• The flowers in the spring have become a trademark for
Old Town, flower tours
• People visit just to see the flowers
• Many people have photos taken with the flowers
• The existing Spruce tree on the north end is not in
good shape
• Existing planter beds are a bit dated and worn
• Winter interest is lacking because of the amount of
annuals and perennials in the space
• Plantings were much better years ago, full ground
plane landscaping
Recommendation:
• Keep all existing trees and possibly add additional
trees on the north side of the plaza
• Expand upon the decorative plantings
• Add more plants that could have winter interest
• Incorporate plants that have more sensory interest
• Explore adapting empty planters in winter months for
other decorative themes
LIGHTING (GENERAL, SECURITY,
PERFORMANCE, DECORATIVE)
What we heard:
• Lighting is generally outdated and minimal throughout
the OTS and adjacent alleys
• Light sources have different bulbs installed giving off
different qualities of light
• The globe lights are outdated and don’t feel like they
belong in the space
• There are numerous types of light fixtures throughout
Old Town
• Some people noted that the lights in the alleys and
down Linden look better with the architecture
• Security lighting in the alleys is severely lacking and
makes those spaces dangerous
• It would be great if police and emergency responders
could control light levels at night for security
• There is no accent lighting to enhance the space
• Holiday lights are well liked and a reason people visit
OTS in the winter
• The existing performance lighting does not work
because it is too high and is blocked by hanging
planters
• Tivoli lights would be a great addition
Recommendation:
• Replace existing pole light fixtures with a period piece
that respects the architecture
• Use a consistent light source that creates a consistent
aesthetic in OTS
• Add accent lighting to the existing trees and to the
architectural elements on the building
• Allow zones for emergency responders to control light
levels as needed
• Stage lighting can be limited to the stage structure
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50
INFRASTRUCTURE
MAINTENANCE
What we heard:
• OTS is currently power washed once a month and spot
treated as needed
• Water is directed to a few trench drains as well as
directly into the central water feature
• Central water feature requires some cleaning and
maintenance after power washing
• Trash is removed with a vehicle through the space on a
daily basis
• A storage room is a nice feature and could be larger for
storing hoses, ladders and tools
Recommendation:
• Talk to the parks department throughout the design
process to get feedback on maintenance practices
• Consider a storage room for the stage and for parks
maintenance equipment
MOUNTAIN AVENUE
What we heard:
• Would like to have a safer crosswalk from the parking
garage to OTS
• Parking along Mountain Avenue could be improved
Recommendation:
• Consider improvements to the Mountain Avenue
sidewalks and street crossings beyond the OTS project
area
PARKING
What we heard:
• OTS needs better signage directing people to and from
the existing parking garage
• Some tenants would like to keep on-street parking just
for the stores
Recommendation:
• Improve directional signage to and from parking
garage hazards
PERFORMANCE ART (PIANO)
What we heard:
• The pianos are widely used as an attraction for many
• Kids love playing the piano and making music
• Some people are more comfortable playing in visible
spaces while others want to play where they aren’t seen
Recommendation:
• Find areas to relocate the pianos for multiple people to use
• Other instruments could be added to the space for
more musical opportunities
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OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
INFRASTRUCTURE
PERFORMANCE STAGE
What we heard:
• The performance stage is a good scale for the events
currently held on in OTS
• Some separation is needed between the stage and the
seating areas but should not be water
• Having shade on the performance stage is great and it
is good to have one that is retractable
• Hanging planters is a nice addition but it blocks the
performance lights
• Getting performers and equipment in and out of the
space is very difficult as currently configured
• The area for sponsor banners is too low and not
adequate for promoting sponsors
• The stage is at a awkward angle and blocks the
pedestrian walkways through the space
• The need to run electrical cords through the square is
a tripping hazard
• Would like to see a stage face both OTS and Linden
Street
• Would like the stage and the plaza (audience space) be
modular and adaptable
Recommendation:
• Create a performance space that fits the scale of the
audience area
• Keep the local charm of Ft. Collins with flowers and
plantings around the stage
• Improve the circulation of performers on and off the
stage and allow for a ‘green room’ area
• Keep a shaded stage but increase the height of the
structure for sponsor banners and performance lights
and speakers
• Raise the stage 16”-24” to allow for optimal viewing at
this scale
• Remove the use of a water fountain or water next to
electronics (noise and electrical hazard)
• Create some separation between the stage and the
viewing area
PHOTOGRAPHY
What we heard:
• Create areas for photo opportunities in addition to the
central water feature and play area
• Could there be an art wall that could change and
become the area for photos
Recommendation:
• Evaluate different spaces throughout the square
and determine the best areas for professional
photographers to take pictures
• Possibly talk to different area photographers to find
out where the best light is and at what times
PLAY AREA
What we heard:
• The play area with the bear and fish is one of the most
popular spots in all of OTS
• This area is great for families because it is in the shade
and has seating close to the sculptures
• It can be a little too busy on weekends as there is not
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52
INFRASTRUCTURE
RAILINGS
What we heard:
• In general everyone likes the outdoor eating
environments
• Railings could be more consistent throughout OTS
• Some railings seem to be randomly spaced
Recommendation:
• Create more consistency throughout OTS with the
aesthetic of the outdoor dining railings
• Create a system that does not damage the pavers by
drilling into the pavement systems
• Create a standard of finishes to be followed for the
hand railings
• Develop and overall plan for the areas within OTS that
can be used for dining now and into the future
RESTROOMS
What we heard:
• The restrooms are scary and dangerous for the public
to use
• They are mostly used by people loitering in OTS for
warming up in winter, bathing and even sleeping
• The restrooms are open until 2 a.m. and can cause
issues at night; however it is good to have them open
when the bars let out
• People have a hard time finding where the restrooms
are located
• The restrooms are a nice amenity to have in OTS but
just need to be safer and cleaner
• The current restroom location feels like it too centrally
located and shouldn’t be the focus of OTS
Recommendation:
• Relocate the restrooms to an adjacent building or alley
location where there may already be infrastructure
accessible
• Consider having the restrooms closed from a period of
10p.m. to 7a.m.
SIGNAGE (WAYFINDING, IDENTIFICATION)
What we heard:
• The existing kiosks could use a lot of improvement
• Need clearer wayfinding directions from the Mountain
Avenue parking garage to OTS.
• Bigger plaques for the historical markers with
explanations would be nice
• Would like to have better wayfinding signage from
MAX station to OTS
• An informational kiosk for businesses would be a good
addition
Recommendation:
• Create an overall vision for the signage of OTS
• Incorporate historic plaques and descriptive elements
of the architecture
• Consider naming all the buildings to give the space an
identity
• Create gateway elements that identify the beginning
and end of OTS
• Incorporate and overall map showing where different
shops and restaurants are located
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INFRASTRUCTURE
• It would be great to have movable or non-fixed
furniture to move during events
• People like the concrete stairs/seating but see that is
causes issues for loitering
• Trash receptacles should be replaced with recycling
and trash units
• Vertical bike racks would help with bicycle storage
• Would like to see ‘creative’ seating areas
• Would like to see chairs and tables with umbrellas for
public use
Recommendation:
• Incorporate new standards for OTS site furnishings
and replace all benches and trash receptacles
• Create a consistent and “unique to Old Town Square”
look for all the furnishings through OTS
• Incorporate recycling elements into the receptacles
• Consider using moveable furniture (chairs and tables)
in the open spaces to allow people to create their own
spaces
SOUND (SPEAKERS)
What we heard:
• There are no fixed speakers currently in OTS
• Permanent fixed speakers aren’t used for performance
purposes
• Speakers are typically brought in specifically for each
type of performance
• Some business suffer because of the loud music at
times
Recommendation:
• Consider using fixed speakers to play ambient music
during the day for visitors
• Music for specific performers could be played before
and/or after they perform in OTS
• Evaluate noise levels and how they affect the
surrounding areas
STOREFRONTS
What we heard:
• Storefronts on the southeast side are not as visible
because of the planters and trees
• Storefronts do not currently allow for or promote
window shopping
• Would be great if storefronts could have seasonal
display competitions to bring people out
Recommendation:
• Look at ways to make the southeast side more
accessible during events
• Create better sitting areas along this side of the plaza
that would attract more people to the storefronts
• Look at display and lighting systems for vacant
storefronts to activate building fronts
TRASH
What we heard:
• All trash enclosures need major repair and updating
• Need a comprehensive plan to handle restaurant trash
and grease
• Grease stains are everywhere on the pavers and
difficult to remove
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
54
INFRASTRUCTURE
UTILITIES
What we heard:
• Electrical power, lighting and water infrastructure is
undersized for all organized events in OTS
• Mechanical system for existing water feature outdated
and no longer in code compliance
• Sewer from kiosk goes directly beneath west side
buildings
• Storm water drainage issues at north end of OTS by
Walnut Street
• All drainage in OTS goes directly into the sanitary
sewer system
Recommendation:
• Upgrade all power, water and lighting in OTS to
respond to day/night uses and demands from special
events
• Thoroughly inspect all underground utilities for
damage, settling and verify locations
• Bring all utilities up to current building codes and
standards
• Resolve all site drainage issues regarding standing
water
• Separate all sanitary sewer systems from storm water
systems
WALNUT STREET
What we heard:
• Would like to have a safer intersection for pedestrian
crossing from Linden
Recommendation:
• Integrate the Linden Street/Walnut Street pedestrian
intersection into the OTS design
WATER FEATURE (EXISTING)
What we heard:
• The water feature is one of the most iconic symbols of
the square
• People love having their pictures taken in front of the
waterfall
• The geese could be turned the other direction because
the light is better from the south side
• People love putting their feet in the water and relaxing
• Can be a safety issue for kids as the steps down into
the water invite them to enter
• Loiterers have been spotted taking baths in the water
feature
• The water pumps are dated and need constant repair
• The ‘moat’ is a safety issue especially in the winter
• Fountain is too loud next to the stage
Recommendation:
• Keep the rock water feature and geese
• Water feature may need to be relocated and modified
to meet current health department regulations
• Consider raising the water feature and create wall
around the pool to detract kids from running and
falling into it
• All the pumps and control systems need to be replaced
with a modern system with above ground access
• Locate the water feature and the geese to an optimum
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ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS
SECTION 7
ZONE CHARACTER
DIAGRAMS
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ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this section is to subdivide Old town Square
into smaller pieces or “character zones” and identify unique
physical and user characteristics about each area. Given the
30-year history of the Square, each sub-area has evolved
with special attributes that give it personality and identity.
Some zones have identifiable and strong identities while
others are almost forgotten, leftover space. By defining
each zone and focusing on its strengths and weaknesses,
we can begin to chart out a plan for how to make it better
during the schematic design phase of the project.
Zone 1 - “Events Square”
Zone 2 - “Central Plaza”
Zone 3 - “The Forest”
Zone 4 - “CooperSmith’s Alley”
Zone 5 - “Whitton Court Alley (East)”
Zone 6 - “Old Town Square Perimeter”
1
2
4
5
6
3
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ZONE 1 – “EVENTS SQUARE”
This existing 100 foot wide space is framed by buildings
on the east and west, and serves as the north gateway
to Linden and Walnut Streets. Existing pavilion, public
restrooms, stage, terraced seating, landscaping will be
removed and replaced. Infrastructure improvements such
as storm drainage will be accomplished as part of the
renovation.
The expected programming use of this approximately
100’x200’ space will be to accommodate the new stage
adaptable for any performance style and a flexible open
space configuration that “works” for a variety of audiences
– listening comfortably to a small two-person ensemble
or a 20-piece salsa band. This space should accommodate
flexible program events year round that might include
skating rink, Santa Workshop, festivals with 10’x10’ tents,
antique car shows and much more.
The intimate scale of performances must be maintained
while providing all of the staging, technical and
performance criteria identified in the stakeholder
interviews. In addition, this area should integrate closely
with Walnut Street and the future renovation of Linden
Street. Currently, this large area has a weak presence
of restaurants and outdoor dining opportunities. The
new design should encourage more outdoor dining
opportunities, more shade and especially strengthen
the north end of the Square with destination uses and
activities. As the north gateway into Old Town Square,
signage and gateway elements should mark the Walnut
Street edge as a “main entrance” to the Square.
ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | ZONE 1
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ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | ZONE 2
ZONE 2 – “CENTRAL PLAZA”
Considered the “hub of the wheel,” this core activity area
serves as the crossroads of Old Town Square connecting
the north and south program areas with Trimble Court and
CooperSmith’s Alley. Three of the most popular destinations
of OTS are located here; the OTS fountain (water feature),
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and CooperSmith’s outdoor patio
seating. The beloved and iconic fountain can be seen and
heard from College Avenue and is the most photographed
spot in all of Fort Collins.
The new design concept should maintain this zone as the
coveted central gathering spot furthest away from any
street traffic and noise, with strong amenities to promote
people gathering, watching others, spontaneous events,
informal presentations and tourist information. This is the
space in which people identify as “I’ll meet you at the ……”
2
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ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | ZONE 3
ZONE 3 – “THE FOREST”
This southern entrance to Old Town Square is filled with
landscaped planters, mature trees and lined with a mix of
traditional retail shops and restaurants. The most activated
attraction in this zone is a small children’s play area with
a bear and fish climbing sculpture. Mature trees and an
abundance of seating walls make this a comfortable shady
spot to sit in the summer. Due to the narrow dimensions of
this zone and the need to maintain an emergency access
lane, there are limitations to how much can change without
interfering with established planters, outside dining areas
and pedestrian circulation pathways. It has been identified
in stakeholder interviews that the stores on the east side of
this zone have less pedestrian traffic in contrast to the more
popular west side that has active restaurants.
The new design concept for this zone should establish a
strong Mountain Avenue gateway to Old Town Square,
maintain the forested identity of the space, expand
the children’s play space and strengthen the east side
storefront area.
3
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ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | ZONE 4
ZONE 4 – “COOPERSMITH’S ALLEY”
Originally envisioned as a marketplace, this narrow
walkway has evolved into an outdoor covered patio space
for CooperSmith’s restaurant. The northern end of the
space is anchored with an outdoor dining patio and the
southern end has the only remaining information OTS kiosk
located at Mountain Avenue. Large steel arched gateway
elements remain in this space and have no perceived use or
value. A popular sculpture of a painted horse is positioned
at the intersection of CooperSmith’s Alley and Whitton
Court Alley (East). Lighting is minimal in this zone.
The new design concept for this zone should address the
outdated signage/gateway elements and reevaluate how
to integrate this area more closely with Old Town Square.
Some of the CooperSmith’s outdoor patio spaces have
narrowed the pedestrian circulation through this alley and
widening of the circulation path should be considered.
4
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ZONE 5 – “WHITTON COURT ALLEY (EAST)”
The smallest of all zones of Old Town Square this alley
was once imagined as an artisan’s court and a secondary
entrance into the Square from Walnut Street. It now
serves as a primary trash storage and service area for
the restaurants in the east buildings of OTS. In addition,
unsightly trash enclosures, poor lighting, minimal
landscaping and lack of gateway signage gives this space an
uninviting character and sense of “back door.”
The new design concept for Whitton Court Alley (East)
should resolve the trash and service issues and reverse the
perception of this under utilized space. More development
is planned along Walnut Street and it is anticipated that
increased pedestrian traffic will be entering Old Town
Square from this direction. Improvements to signage,
landscaping and restoration of historic signs painted on the
building facades should be considered.
5
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62
ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS | ZONE 6
ZONE 6 – OLD TOWN SQUARE PERIMETER
The streets and alleys surrounding Old Town Square are
very much an integral part of its identity and success as a
great public gathering space. The experience of being at
OTS begins long before one enters the actual Square. Many
residents now perceive many blocks in Downtown Fort
Collins to be part of “Old Town” and that Old Town Square
is at the heart of this district.
A district wide integrated design approach should be
considered that improves the many pedestrian access
points, close relationship with Linden Street businesses,
repurposes under developed alleyways, solves pedestrian
street crossings problems at Walnut Street and Mountain
Avenue, coordinates downtown seasonal and permanent
landscaping, improves street furniture and bicycle racks,
installs district-wide graphic wayfinding and identification
signage, adds more pedestrian lighting and outdoor dining
areas, improves trash enclosures, and introduce other
elements that reinforce the historic charm and identity of
the greater Downtown Fort Collins District.
6
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APPENDIX
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64
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #1 SUMMARY
Date: April 4, 2014, 1:00-3:00p.m.
DDA office conference room/
site walkthrough
Team : Jim Leggitt
Eric Taylor
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Keith Meyer
Jennifer Hensley
Claire Thomas
Lindsay Reichel
Stakeholders: Hannah Baltz Smith, DBA
Peggy Lyle, DBA
Ed Stoner, POTS
Steve Lukowski, Parks
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Downtown Business Association, POTS
and Parks and Recreation Department. This involved a
“walk thru” of Old Town Square and a thorough explanation
of the existing plaza conditions, events, activities,
operational issues and other characteristics of OTS. This
meeting was held prior to the creation of the questionnaire.
General comments (not related to questions):
• Events scheduling – both large and small, how it is
used, hiccups
• South end – not much booth space due to emergency
access space
• Platform – used for “art in action” programs, carved
marble
• Food vendor spot at south end – Greek vendor, 2
regular vendors
• DDA can license non-food vendors on DDA property
• City deed over ROW, use easement
• 35 light poles with 70 banners
• Liquor license – flexible beer boundary
• Need an enforceable border for beer consumption
• Some 10'x10' tents have to straddle the planters – half
in, half out of planter
• No large events in OTS except Bohemian events
• Medium event – Friday nights, 400 people
• No power
• No ticketed events ever in OTS
• New West Fest – all over downtown, 8 stages around,
100,000 people, August 15-17, 2014
• Car show
• Power always a challenge for events
• Lighting is a patchwork
• Water feature sketchy
• Sprinkler system upgraded in 2009
• Flower beds really attract tourists, all beds completed
by Mothers Day, OTS on city flower tour
• Need a water fill station for daily watering of hanging
flower pots
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APPENDIX
• Tripping hazard over the electrical cords during events
• People bring their own chairs to events
• There is inadequate space for sponsorship signage
• Stage plantings are on a drip irrigation system
• When events are planned, liquor license is required
and can be obtained in 10 days
• No shade in the square in summer – too hot for some
performances
• Very tight band loading area in and around the stage
area
• No way or location to hang vendor banners during
events
• Public bathrooms are a HUGE challenge
• Where to locate portable toilets – there must be
access to public toilets
• Sewer from the central kiosk (bike library) goes right
beneath the west buildings
• North end of OTS – Santa’s Workshop, ice skating rink,
vendors
• All activities north of the pavilion are completely
separated from the main plaza activities
• Flag poles on north end provide lighting for the Santa
house
• Spruce tree on Walnut Street is not in good shape –
may not be healthy enough to keep
• Need to have a comprehensive solution to handling
restaurant trash and grease
• Back alley – needs better defined entrance to OTS
• Many bike parking structures are removed in the
winter to make snow plowing easier
• All trash enclosures are needing major repair
• OTS - “European feeling with hidden surprises”
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #2 SUMMARY
Date: April 18, 2014, 8:00-10:00a.m.
DDA office conference room
Team : Eric Taylor
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Jennifer Hensley
Stakeholders: Holly Wright
Chris Lombardi
Josh Stone
Joe Vader
Lee Swanson
Mary Ellen Sinnwell
Matt Hannifin
Elin Moorman
Mike Campana
Jim Clark
Description
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from local businesses that are in or around
Old Town Square. The group was fully engaged with the
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
66
• More areas for food stands would be nice
• A stage that could face OTS and Linden would be great
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Getting rid of the drug deals and undesirable activities
• Lighting could be improved greatly
• Skateboarding and bikes can be an issue for
pedestrians
• Stairs can also be an issue for pedestrian as they catch
some people by surprise
• A stage facing both OTS and Linden streets
• New splash pad water feature to attract families
• Move electricity away from the water feature
• Create a better sense of arrival from Cooper Smiths
Alley
• More kids outdoor recreation or activities
• Like the idea of emergency phones
• Like the idea of adding DEFIB machines
• Need a safer cross walk between garage and
CooperSmiths on Mountain Ave.
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Want to keep the ‘cozy’ feel of OTS
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• More seasonal or winter activities
______________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #3 SUMMARY
Date: April 18, 2014, 1:00-3:00p.m.
DDA office conference room
Team : Jim Leggitt
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Stakeholders: Basil Hamdan
Jon Haukaas
Tyler Siegmund
Roger Buffington
Seth Lorson
Clark Mapes
Tom Knostman
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City departments including;
utilities, engineering, and planning. The group was fully
engaged with the process and had constructive comments
regarding the eight (8) questions. A summary of the
stakeholder feedback is as follows:
General comments (not related to questions):
• Question about what is happening with Linden Street.
Matt explained that it is being looked at becoming a
hybrid type of street.
• Don’t make the plaza a big open space
• High rollers spend large sums of money at some of the
OTS retailers
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APPENDIX
• Thursday Night concerts – bring out the CSU students
• Ben and Jerry’s – puts on lots of events, best U2 cover
• Greek food festivals
• Colorado Brewers festival – booze is a control issue
• Skating rink – great
• Art walk – gallery walk with free beer
• If there was an “open beverage” area, this would be
great
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• Grease in the alley, trash enclosures
• Horse sculpture
• Steps down to the water
• Globe lights outdated
• Parking along Mountain Avenue
• Possible hidden pockets – danger for women
• Stage – weird angle, walkways blocked
• Restrooms!! – maybe combine with an information
center with an attendant to monitor, daylighting would
be beneficial
• South end “dead zone” at east side of plaza, maybe
because it is above grade “east side/west side
imbalance”
• Back alley unsuccessful
• Stairs could be a barrier
• Higher end businesses might not be right for the mix of
tenants
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• Ice rink and equipment to operate it
• Creative activity to attract people
• Kid centric activity
• Sustainable design elements with educational message
– landscaping, water saving, lighting, deep root
planting
• Signage – historical descriptions, wayfinding, overall
OTS identification
• Safe pedestrian crossing at Mountain Avenue
• Create energy and activity in all corners of OTS,
destination points
• Better drainage inlets
• Direct Stormwater directly into the landscaping
• Four season ability
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Better lighting and line of sight
• Illumination of buildings
• Safer alleys
• Comfortable and welcoming
• Perception of safety
• Adaptable elements that “scale” with the size of
events
• Need landscape up lighting like in Vail
• Need “glow” lighting along pathways
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Holiday lights
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68
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City Manager’s executive
staff, DDA board subcommittee members and civic
partners. The group was fully engaged with the process
and had constructivecomments regarding the eight (8)
questions. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is as
follows:
General comments (not related to questions):
• Would like to get Bohemian involved in the program
elements of the technical side of the stage design. Get
our appropriate sub-consultants involved with the
design of the stage and talking with Bohemian. Cheryl
would be the main contact with Bohemian.
• Bohemian will be moving/expanding to the old EDAW
site back in the secret courtyard.
• Bohemian is looking at the little pocket park, and their
entrance as being a semi public space.
• Jazz Alley, maybe a piano in that space.
• Bike racks, no benches or tables.
• Bohemian doesn’t need the ability to have a rotating
stage for different performances.
• Really what is being proposed with this project is
simply managing success.
• The space is successful as is.
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• People come here for the stage. Concert Series is why
people come down.
• “People Watching” the ability to see and be seen.
• Outdoor Dining is important.
• “People Watching.”
• Likes the meandering nature of the areas around the
trees (south side of OTS).
• Art is something that everybody really likes.
• Bohemian Nights’ demographic is 25-35 years.
• The flowers in the spring and summer are great.
• The intimacy of the space for the stage is successful.
• Variety of places to sit throughout OTS is nice.
• Outdoor dining is great but can conflict with music
volume.
• Is there a way to accommodate outdoor dining with
music at a reasonable decibel level?
• Fountain gives good white noise. Would still like to see
kids and people interact with the fountain, feet in the
fountain, kids playing in the fountain.
• The pedestrian friendly environment is the most
attractive aspect of this space. This is a safe place
for pedestrians. It is a comfortable place for a wide
variety of people.
• ROMEO (Really Old Men Eating Out) people would like
quiet places to hang out.
• The fountain is an attraction and brings people in.
• The piano is also something that brings people out into
the plaza. Piano does better when it is tucked away a
little. However, some others like to have the piano in a
prominent place.
• OTS is the heart of the town and represents the
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APPENDIX
• Would like the fountain to be active during events.
Control the flow of water and sound.
• No back and forth movement on the south side of the
plaza. It is harder to get to that area.
• Feels like there is a barrier on that side and it is cold in
the winter.
• The play area for kids could be more successful. It may
be a missed opportunity. Interactive opportunities.
Interactive water features. Parents like to sit around
the outside and watch.
• Capture the view corridor down Linden street.
• A place for programing for multiple activities. What
are those areas and what are those activities because
that attracts people.
• Would like to see a unique holiday event in the winter.
• The bathrooms awful and would never go in there.
They are needed but that shouldn’t be the focal point.
Original restrooms were next to Chinese restaurant in
Tremble Court. Restrooms incorporated into Visitors
Center would be the ideal solution.
• Nobody goes into the fringes or fingers of the space.
The alleys.
• The trash alley doesn’t work. On a warm day it is
awful smelling.
• Witton Court Alley (East) is a missed opportunity. The
service drive. This has potential.
• Trash enclosure behind Little Bird—Whitton Court
Alley (East). Trash enclosure behind Food Co-op.
• Sound board for the stage.
• Tie the river district to OTS not the other way around.
• The whole plaza needs better lighting.
• Way finding and a sense of entry is missing throughout
the space.
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• A series of lectures or an opportunity to stage a series
of small events like the Chautauqua Series. This could
relate back to the University with their engagement.
• Ice rink.
• An opportunity for a variety of music in different
locations throughout the plaza and the alleys. Help
the alley aesthetics of the alley support music and
other art events.
• Advertising that there is something for everybody in
OTS.
• The idea of small spaces that small groups could gather
like it is their back patio.
• Would like to see more of a CSU presence, arts and
theater, Avenir museum.
• Enticing people from the MAX station to OTS and
the surrounding areas. Directions for how to get
downtown or to OTS from the MAX station.
• Additional quiet places to sit.
• Interactive features such as sound and light.
• Multi seasonal seating and fireplace.
• Family oriented activities.
• Gateway feature that could be added on south side of
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70
• Like the annual plantings throughout plaza.
• Like the area for the taxi.
• Lack of advertising in OTS.
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• Surface for chalk art.
• Storefront extensions for local museums. Interactive
kiosk
• A kid friendly event space and places for them to use.
• A clean bathroom.
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #5 SUMMARY
Date: April 24, 2014, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
DDA office conference room
Team : Jim Leggitt
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Jennifer Hensley
Stakeholders: Sean McGaffin - Poudre Fire Authority
Jim Byrne - Ft. Collins Police Dept
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individuals from the Fort Collins City Police and Fire
Services. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is as
follows:
General comments (not related to questions):
• If the plaza stays vibrant and alive then the resources
will be available for the police to man the plaza.
• This has to remain an attraction for the citizens of Ft
Collins to visit.
• Staffing for night time (weekends) includes 6 cops in
the plaza and the bar corridor.
• These guys are hand picked by the police department
based on their abilities to deal with unique situations
that happen typically between the hours of 10 p.m.
and 2 a.m.
• 10 p.m. is when the stuff starts down in the bar
district.
• Cops work in pairs.
• This summer half will be on bikes, half will be on foot.
• A couple of cars will be around the perimeter.
• Patrol will be easily accessible.
• Location will be on the north or south of the plaza.
• 3 years is about as long as they can do the night shift.
• District 1 has an office fairly close to OTS where they
can do some minor booking.
• Cops work directly with staff and plaza users.
• They wear different uniforms high vis. blue with
reflective stripes.
• Fire does not wear cop looking clothes because overall
people like fire fighters - is the perception.
• Will start looking at doing some undercover work with
different events.
• IF there is a celebration sports event riot it will happen
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APPENDIX
• 50' engine plus a 20' ambulance. (They will stay there
15-20 minutes closing out.)
• 2012 codes are 80k lbs limit and 20' wide. Also need
14' clearance along path. Will need to remain during
construction.
• Nox box on the corner of the building for lighting
control would be a great option for fire. Police it
would not be of a benefit.
• Right now the police have the ability turn on the stage
lights, however it is not used.
• It would be nice to have the ability to have control of a
couple different areas. It could be a manual panel or it
could be a digital connection through a mobile device.
• Updated bathrooms that are cleaned and patrolled
more often would be nice.
• Pot is a concern and it is seen by fire dept. when they
are out. Prohibit all smoking in OTS would be nice.
• Taxi pull off is the 2nd biggest issue for Fire
department
• Emergency pull out on both sides, Mountain and
Walnut would be ideal.
• Elevation changes, especially going down is a issue,
twisted ankles and bike accidents.
• Number of people doesn’t really change anything until
it gets to a number more like 20k people.
• Occupancy load has never been established on OTS.
2-3k is probably the most you can get into the square.
• Most people leaving the bars congregate by the Taxi
area thus the closing at Mountain as a test.
• Outside patios - propane mushroom heaters have
been an issue as they are not safely stored. Gas lines
to the restaurants may be a good solution. Inferred
overhead lighting would be a better option with
natural gas.
• The DDA may have the option to offer the tenants an
option for some joint venture to get the heated patios
working safer and more efficient.
Are there any current emergency access concerns to
consider within OTS?
• The fire lane and pull off is a big concern for the Fire
dept.
• Linden to Walnut could become a pedestrian mall?
next 10 years?
• Special events they have a pretty good handle on all
this stuff.
• The 2 a.m. brawl is the biggest issue for access lighting
and staffing for the police. These are issues that they
really can’t plan for.
• If we wanted to shut down the OTS and open it up for
open container, it would really be up to the DBA and
DDA to work with police and fire to plan that special
event.
• Off street parking on Walnut is needed.
• A pull off parking are for fire that is not impeded by
the horse carriages, possibly on both Walnut and
Mountain.
• Complete drive through access from Mountain to
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72
Stakeholders: Mike & Nina Stanton
Wendy Poppen
Dave Clack
Katie Hines
Dwight Hall
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to gain feedback from
individual OTS business owners. A summary of the
stakeholder feedback is as follows:
General comments (not related to questions):
• The business owners are extremely concerned
about how construction will disrupt their business
operations.
• They feel confident that the DDA will provide
appropriate design guidance to the Team so they are
focus on the construction process itself.
• They recommended that a separate business
meeting be held to discuss their suggestions for
accommodating construction and how businesses
could help one another.
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• Bear/ Fish are big attractions for children, they pull
families into the Square.
• In general OTS is a “family-friendly” space.
• Flowers: Very attractive and add color to OTS.
• Fountain: Major draw to the space. No so much the
actual fountain but water in general. The fountain can
be relocated but some form of water feature needs to
remain on the Square.
• Trees: Prefer natural shade cast from the trees over
structures or buildings.
• Seat walls: Need better seating opportunities; current
wall design is not conducive to seating.
• Benches: Need more benches designed to discourage
homeless from sleeping on them – like the ones with
mid-arm rest to help prevent sleeping. Like “artsy”
benches with and without backs.
• Paving: Prefer the look of pavers over plain concrete
but have had tripping issues with current pavers.
Would like for the Team to consider using brick pavers.
• Lights: More lighting is needed in general and in
particular mid-level fixtures to accent the paving
surface and landscape; currently the light fixtures
create bright spots and glare. Really like seasonal
lights.
• Architecture: Should look like “Old Town” not dated,
should be “timeless.” Visitors are confused when they
think they are visiting “Old Town” only to find many
historically themed facades. Suggested establishing
an “architecture walk” to help visitors understand the
history of the buildings.
• Art Work: Would like more sculptures on OTS.
• Banners: Are not unique and not really liked in OTS.
No need to create banners that reinforce that Ft.
Collins is a University town instead prefer to keep Old
Town distinct.
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
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APPENDIX
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• Flexible, multi-purpose space for small to medium
sized organized events.
• Better means to reinforce its “authentic” character
as a place that safely serves the local population
while still attracting region, national and international
tourism. No gimmicks just pure Ft. Collins.
• No desire for something so unique, a one-of-a-kind
element/ feature that makes OTS a destination for that
single attraction.
• Keep the businesses predominately local owner-
operator and minimize national chains.
• Bike racks are really needed and placed in convenient
locations. Racks should be “artsy” in design not off the
shelf units.
• Time capsule of OTS, Fort Collins and the design
process.
• Interactive fountain for children for example, a splash pad.
• Reducing the pedestrian/ vehicular conflict at
intersections and mid-block crossings around OTS to
help promote a safer walking environment. Would
like to see raised tables at pedestrian crossing and a
change of pavement materials to discourage higher
speed traffic.
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Improve pavement drainage to eliminate standing
water problems throughout OTS.
• Focal point on the Square.
• An appropriately size, designed and located public
restroom facility. Currently, Coppersmith’s allows
public access to their restroom.
• Bring the fountain up to today’s health standards so
people can play in the water.
• Need wayfinding signage and information kiosks
(addressing is not intuitive).
• Lower-level lighting throughout OTS.
• Table and chairs with umbrellas.
• Placing “temporary” events in the proper locations
on OTS.
• Controllable sound and permanent speakers that
performers use rather than having them setting up
their own sound system.
• Perhaps a few roof-top terraces.
• Music throughout OTS.
• Better anti-skate boarding devises.
• Improve all alleys to the same level of improvement
as the redeveloped alleys in Ft. Collins.
• Better accommodations for smaller, mid-OTS located
business that don’t have access to a service alley
and need to bring goods across the Square to their
business.
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Keep the “Geese.”
• Trees and flowers.
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
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APPENDIX
Brett Rindt
Kristen Karabensh
Riley Phipps
Cheryl Zimlich
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was to evaluate the existing
performance stage and its infrastructure and determine, in
general terms, what is needed in a new stage for Old Town
Square. Because this user group is generally more focused
on the design of the stage, a more specific list of questions
was established. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is
as follows:
GENERAL STAGE INFORMATION
1. Examples of successful stage/performance areas located
in a space similar in scale to Old Town Square?
• Distillery District in Toronto
• Old Town Pasadena
• Liege Belgium
• FC’s Civic Center Park is a good example of what not
to do
2. Ideal location/orientation for stage(s) in Old Town
Square? Why?
• Ideal location will take into account the ‘front of
house’ location
• Ideal location will allow for good ingress and egress
from the back of stage
• Angled stage is nice for sound on the balconies; the
angles make the space unique
• Backing the stage to Walnut may not be the best
option because of traffic noise
• Current stage is in conflict with pedestrian circulation
• Like that there are currently activities on the edge of
the audience
3. What performer based amenities should be considered
in a new stage design?
• A permanent trust system over the stage
• Permanent front of house location with all the
appropriate connections
• Sleeving or runs for wiring
• A changing/green room for performers or at least the
area for one. Approx. 10'x10'
• Stage separation from audience is good, just don’t use
water to do it
4. Typical sizes of performance groups?
• Average size of groups performing is from 5 – 10
people on stage at once
5. Typical types of performances and performers? Would
possibilities expand with a new stage design?
• Concerts are done by 10pm (City Ordinance)
• Try to only book family friendly performers and
performances
• A rectangular stage would be ideal for typical
performances
• A stage with this size of crowd (approx. 700 people)
would need like to have a stage raised 2' or 24"
• Generally like the different levels seating and viewing
throughout the plaza
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APPENDIX
3. What would an “ideal” stage lighting system look like?
• Truss lighting over the stage
• Performance lighting to highlight from the front
• Controls for surrounding lighting around stage
4. Are there lighting systems or technology with which you
are familiar that you would like us to consider?
• N/A
5. Ideally, how would you like the “non-performance” plaza
lighting to respond to when performance events occur?
• N/A
6. Any desire for permanent point to point AV and lighting
infrastructure such as power pedestals, AV and lighting
pedestals, permanent lighting positions, etc.?
• N/A
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• Accessibility to the square
• Separation between stage and audience
• Diversity of architectural elevations
• Plant material and flowers are loved
• The water feature
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• N/A
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• N/A
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• When not in use the stage is not a good usable space
• Would like to have a water feature that is not an
“Attractive nuisance”
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• Like the use of the water feature at Oak Street Plaza
and could see something similar being successful in
OTS
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Adding trees to the north side (while not impacting
sight lines) would be nice for added shaded areas
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Don’t lose the intimacy of the space both during
events and non event times
• No ‘Disneyfication’
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• Tables, chairs and umbrellas
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #8 SUMMARY
Date: May 14, 2014, 1:00-3:00pm
DDA office conference room
Team : Jim Leggitt
OLD TOWN SQUARE PROGRAM PLAN | JUNE 12, 2014
76
APPENDIX
• Alley access for performers, pedestrian, and deliveries
• Electrical service location for the stage on the stage
• Art and statues
• Pianos have been a great addition
• Linden and Walnut is the most photographed area
with hotel in the background
• Horse has been a huge success
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• People come downtown for graduation
• Window shop
• Ice Cream
• Sit on patio
• People watch
• Dip feet in the fountain
• Art and flower watching
• Take pictures
• Sit and read, eat lunch
• (Oak Street has little kids visit because of the fountain)
• Seasonally the holiday lights – but this could be an all
year event like Larimer Square lighting in general
• See Santa in Christmas
• Ice skating
• 5th avenue New York window shopping, Chicago –
Michigan ave, Window Dressing Competition
• Toy trains
• Create infrastructure for seasonal events, seasonal
planters, lighting, signage.
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• New West Fest
• Thursday night concerts
• Concert under the stars
• (recorded history of when bands played OTS)
• Colorado Brewers Festival
• Greek Festival
• Friday night Lights – marching band and cheerleaders
• Oktoberfest
• Cinco de Mayo got too big and had to move out
• Marathon
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• The signage
• Need more restrooms and better access
• Need more seating capacity for events (definitely not
lawn chairs) like amphitheater without chairs
• Or even mobile chairs and tables
• Power for the plaza is inadequate and location is not
good
• No gateway or identification to the site
• Banners could be better incorporated into the lighting
with multiple sizes
• Shading areas off the same light poles
• Informational kiosks and historical markers that would
be unique to Old Town
• Canopy leaks
• Hard to load for staging
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APPENDIX
• Something that says where you are
• Love Locks
• Austin I love you so much wall
• Deterrent to OTS is there is not enough placement for
booth space
• Electronic signage promoting what is going on in the
area, but we don’t want to be trendy with that
• Lighting for the square
• Timers for the lighting and security
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Trees
• Pianos
• The energy and hometown feeling, not commercial
• The Fountain
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• N/A
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #9 SUMMARY
Date: May 17, 2014, 12:00-1:00pm,
DDA Offices
Team : Eric Taylor
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Stakeholders: Brian Soukup
Ed Stoner
Description:
This stakeholder meeting/luncheon was to gain
feedback from two individuals directly involved with the
management and land ownership of Old Town Square. A
summary of the stakeholder feedback is as follows:
General comments (not related to questions):
• They are open to the idea of relocating the public
restrooms to other locations in OTS
• Applying banners to the faces of buildings is
acceptable
• They would like to maintain views of the stage,
fountain and geese from their offices
• More lighting in Whitten Court Alley (East and West)
is encouraged
• Replace all outdated globe lighting fixtures
• Willingness to closing the public restrooms at 10pm
• Possible to create another freestanding restroom
building in Whitton Court Alley (West)
• Look into possible upgrades to the existing building
facades and possible basement expansion
• Extend fiber optic cables from the east to the west
side of OTS buildings
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• N/A
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• N/A
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• N/A
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• N/A
5. What is Old Town Square missing tht would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• N/A
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• N/A
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• N/A
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• N/A
• The moat is awful for the staging. Liability factors
• Mixing board location is bad
• Could use under stage storage for events
• Back room stage enclosure
• Need more storage for DBA and maintenance, ladder,
tools, hoses, barricades, irrigation equipment
• (10x6) area
• Open areas need more shade
• Trash systems for the vendors, grease areas?
• Plug and play concession space for summer concerts a
place to sell beer on the square
• Lighting is bad
• There is no winter activity happening down in OTS,
• Fire pit or fire place
5. What is Old Town Square missing that would benefit the
greater Fort Collins community?
• A farmers market or another type of market would be
nice
• Performing Arts events or physical art
• Movies would be great
• New Belgium has bike-in movie
• Chalk art festival
• Dancing festival or shows would be great
• Charging stations for EV stations in and around the sq.
• Vertical bike racks or better bike storage
• Use the paving for informational story telling for the
district
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Informational kiosk for businesses either electronic or
old school?
• Create a photo wall opportunity with the best light.
Maybe worth talking to photographers to find the best
locations for photos of seniors
• Walt Disney bronze with Mickey for photo opp.
• Gateway signage for images/photos
Eric Taylor
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Stakeholders: Mike Brunkhart
Mike Short
Tom Milligan
Peggy Lyle
Hannah Baltz Smith
JoAnn Caddoo
Description:
This stakeholder meeting was a followup to the April
4th site walk-thru with these individuals in order to gain
additional feedback from the questionnaire. A summary of
the stakeholder feedback is as follows:
General comments (not related to questions): N/A
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• Stage and the seating areas create sense of destination
• Water feature is great for photo ops
• The bear and the fish have been very successful –
What if they could speak and be interactive?
• Flowers are a great attraction for visitors. City is
known for flowers downtown
• The actual structure of the fountain. Not the water
itself
ACOUSTICS
1. Are there any specific requirements you would like the
design team to address regarding acoustics or noise control
(e.g., cross-communication on stage, platform height,
reflective surfaces directed toward audience or performers,
etc.?)
• Acoustics should accommodate the whole family; kids
and elderly.
• When designing the acoustics consider that this is
more of the “lawn chair” crowd
ELECTRICAL
1. How do electrical capabilities/locations function now?
Improvement?
• The location of the water feature in front of the stage
is a huge issue with electronics next to water, next to a
concentrated population of people
LIGHTING
1. Are you satisfied with the current performance lighting
system? If not, what improvements are desirable?
• The existing lighting (performance lights on poles) is
blocked by the hanging baskets on the stage
2. Are there any “lessons learned” that you can share with
us with respect to the stage lighting?
• Existing lighting doesn’t work
• Like the use of Tivoli lights through the alleys and think
that would be a nice addition
• Would like to have control over the adjacent lighting
around the stage during a performance
• The eclectic nature of OTS…keep it “funky.”
• Fountain but want it to be more interactive.
• Children’s play area
• The desire for people to stay in OTS.
• Making it not a pet-friendly place (e.g. Boulder Pearl
Street Mall “No dogs allowed” signs).
• For the re-design to “try too hard” for change…keep it
the same but with refinements.
• Keep OTS family-friendly!
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• Outdoor movie screen
• “Attended” restroom facility
• Flexible stage
• Year-round activities
• Fire Pit
• Ice skating rink
• More art and sculptures
• An art and/ or architecture walk
• A true ‘Old Town” feeling
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #7 SUMMARY
Date: May 14, 2014, 9:00-11:00pm
Bohemian conference room
Team : Jim Leggitt
Eric Taylor
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Stakeholders: Pat Stryker
Stu MacMillan
Liz Barnez
Caitlin Morris
what would you do with your time? Why?
• Like to wander in and out of stores to see changing
merchandise.
• Attend a family-oriented event so grandchildren can
play.
• Dinner during warm weather days.
• Programmed events.
• Listen to music is a reason for them to linger in OTS.
• OTS is a warm weather space so business will stay
open later in the evening to attract more customers;
cold weather is when they like to visit OTS to see the
holiday lights.
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• Santa Search since it engages people in OTS and
throughout the Downtown.
• First Fridays are successful at bring people to OTS for a
specific activity.
• Art in Action and pianos are fun and add sound and
entertainment to OTS.
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• Restroom: One is needed for the public use but
the current one feels unsafe due to its design and
perception of drugs deals and drug users.
• Restrict the size of events. Some organized events
such as the Brewfest are best located in the Civic
Center since OTS can’t accommodate huge crowds.
• Take necessary steps to restrict loud music. Some
private business such as the message shop suffer to
deliver quality service when the OTS is too loud.
• Fixed structures such as the stage, restroom, seat
walls, etc. restricts how the space can be used. Need
to create a “flexible” stage to accommodate different
types and scales of activities.
• Enhanced Whitton Court Alley (East) feeder.
APPENDIX
Walnut that is maintained at 20' wide and has the
ability to support 80k pounds per 2012 international
fire code.
• The children’s play area does impede on the fire access
lane.
• All trees need to be maintained with a ground
clearance of 14' when over the 20' fire lane. All
overhead objects must be 14' over fire lane.
• Fire will need off street parking on Jefferson if Linden
between Walnut and Jefferson is closed to motor
vehicles.
• Police barricades on weekends create access
challenges.
Where do you think most conflicts take place in OTS?
• Whitton Court Alley (West) is most dangerous alley
and that is where a lot of severe bad activity happens.
• Center of the square outside the Yeti based on high
numbers of people between the hours of 1 and 3 a.m.
• Police are looking to put cameras up in the downtown
areas. This would include OTS.
• Taxi stand area is where the problems exist at 2 a.m.
• The bathrooms and stage are the biggest problem at
night. Sight lines, trip hazards, homeless person hang
out.
• Bathrooms become a congregation place for transients
and undesirable activities and people.
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #6 SUMMARY
Date: May 7, 2014, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
CooperSmiths – Pool side
Team: Dennis Rubba
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Jennifer Hensley
in OTS.
• Campus West is also the other area might be the
other area of concern. (Is there something about the
character that is lost?)
• College to Remington will be shut down as a test on
the weekends and turned into a pedestrian corridor.
• Ram ride would transport kids back and forth to
campus.
• Fire hydrants are OK in current locations.
1. What features can make this a safer environment at day
and at night?
• Biggest and easiest is the lighting situation.
• Open up the area with lighting?
• Is there a way to turn up the lighting when something
bad is going down? It is dark in the plaza.
• Lighting on the stairs would be a nice addition as there
are many people that hurt themselves on this at night.
• Lighting is the key issue for police too. The fingers are
darkest areas and the most unsafe.
• More lighting between Bondi and Yeti Bar would be
beneficial.
• More lighting on Whitton Court.
• It would be nice to have some kind of control of the
lighting.
• The sight lines need to be opened up as there are too
many different place to hide.
• Emergency call box as an addition could be an issue as
it is likely that people not experiencing emergencies
would be abusing the system. The emergency light
works well on a larger sober area.
• Taxi stand area has shifted that service to another
location and the trouble has been eliminated.
• That taxi stand should remain as a fire service pull off
as there isn’t access for Tower 1 Fire on Walnut.
APPENDIX
Mountain that could be seen from College.
• More basement locations for businesses.
6. What design improvements could make OTS businesses
more successful?
• Having a larger variety of businesses, maybe even a
breakfast option to activate it in the morning. Tenants
with extended hours (other than bars).
• Little Bird is a great amenity to the plaza. Stores that
bring in good fragrance.
• Flower shop would be a nice addition.
• Projecting signs would be nice.
• Tivoli lights.
• More businesses like the Social would be an interesting
addition to the space, but on the plaza.
• Cleaning people on the plaza at 4 a.m. have a calming
effect on the plaza during/night events.
• Create the idea of a shopping district that extends to
other adjacent areas; a sense of connectivity down
Jefferson Street, Walnut and Linden.
• Continuity of lighting down through the district.
Lighting can tell pedestrians where to be. Lighting on
Linden was a missed opportunity.
• Sound and visual elements to attract people from
adjacent streets.
• Interactive elements at play area.
• Shopping district programming.
• Is there a way to block winter wind to allow outdoor
seating to be utilized year round. Heaters and other
warming devises.
7. With Old Town Square being redesigned, what would you
NOT want to see changed?
• Don’t want to lose any of the outdoor dining.
• Don’t want to lose the water feature. Updated
upgraded.
• Intimacy of the space. Repeated several times.
• Keeping the stage element of the design
• Like the shade of the environment on the south side.
Plantings for shade would be a nice thing.
• Like the fact that there are different sittable spaces.
• Like the areas of shade.
west and the best of Ft. Collins. The fact there is an
evolving sense of character to the space. It isn’t too
perfect. Like the European or Italian alley experience
in the surrounding spaces.
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• Shop, eat and watch people.
• Listen to music.
• Like to see shops open until 9p.m. - Illumination in the
stores would help that.
• Food and Drink is the big attraction not during the
concerts.
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• The fountain is an attraction and brings people in.
• The piano is also something that brings people out
into the plaza. Piano does better when it is tucked
away a little. Some others like to have the piano in a
prominent place
• Art in Public Places.
• Brewfest, when it was down there and more intimate.
• Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
• Ice rink.
• Programmed music events.
• Events with arts and food and drink that is more park
like.
• “Streetmosphere”
• Chalk Art Festival - Maybe there could be chalk out
there for kids to draw.
• (People interacting with their environment and
the interaction with the space) Partnership with
the Science Museum. Interaction with kids in that
museum with kids in the plaza.
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• The fountain next to the stage is a large issue for
safety.
APPENDIX
• Fountain
• Pedestrian feel and connections
• Patios, trees, pavers
• Alleys feeding into and out of the plaza
• CooperSmith’s and Ben and Jerry’s
• English oak at the central area – may need trimming
• Geometry of plaza is great
8. If Old Town Square had “___” (this element or feature) I
would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
• Skating rink with fire pit – like a ski resort
• Interactive water feature – pop jet fountains
• Climbing boulders
• Glass blowing shop and artisan demonstrations
• One world class sculpture in the square
• Rich high quality materials
• Any use of stone would be great
• All season design
• More color
• Rotating art display
________________________________________________
OLD TOWN SQUARE STAKEHOLDER
MEETING #4 SUMMARY
Date: April 24, 2014, 9:00-11:00a.m.
DDA office conference room
Team : Jim Leggitt
Jim Cox
Todd Dangerfield
Matt Robenalt
Derek Getto
Stakeholders: Bruce Hendee
Jim Reidhead
Cheryl Zimlich
Bevin Parker
• All were very excited when “Social” was developed
below grade
• What about the flagpoles? Stay or go?
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• Alley access – nice in and out for pedestrians, curiosity
and discovery
• Iconic fountain - photo opportunity, cute kids in the
water
• Paving system - high quality pavers, good color
• Public art – great
• Planter seat walls – high quality landscaping
• Amazing Gardens – they were much better many years
ago, full ground plane landscaping
• Walking aspect – successful events “we’re loving it to
death”
• Stage – good idea
• Versatility – would like plaza to be modular and
adaptable
• OTS is the “wheel” of downtown
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• Dinner and attend an event
• Go walk around
• Show it off – ride bikes, beer at CooperSmith’s,
“beermuda triangle”
• Walk around downtown
• Make sure the branding of OTS stays
• Shopping mix
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
APPENDIX
process and had constructive comments regarding the eight
(8) questions. A summary of the stakeholder feedback is as
follows:
General comments (not related to questions): N/A
1. What Features (physical elements) of Old Town Square
have been most successful? Why?
• North side of the square with shade and seating has
been successful
• The water feature
• The pavers throughout the plaza
• Like the intimacy of the stage
• Play area (fish and bear) has been great for the family
and kids
• The flowers from spring to fall are great
• The historic buildings and architecture
• Art in OTS has been successful
2. If you spent an afternoon or evening in Old Town Square,
what would you do with your time? Why?
• N/A
3. What organized events in Old Town Square do you
consider most successful? Why?
• The ice rink was great when it was in the square
• Car show
• July 4th fireworks
• Thursday and Friday night concerts
• Brewfest
• Parades
4. What would you change about Old Town Square that has
not been successful? Why?
• Restroom are a big problem and attracts a lot of
undesirable activity
• Kiosks could use a lot of improvement
• There is a constant need for water due to the
anchoring of 10'x10' tents
• Limited bike parking at OTS
• It would be handy to have non-fixed benches, to
relocate to create space for vendors
• Maybe have mobile seating and tables
• Art – proud of the OTS art program, some are on loan
• Children’s bear and fish sculptures are well loved,
provide seating for adults and parents
• No banner system in downtown Fort Collins other than
what exists in OTS
• OTS is closed at 2:00 a.m.
• Lighting is seasonally adjusted.
• No speakers anywhere at OTS
• Whitton Court Alley (West) is primary service alley and
staging area for events
• Fountain – always people in the water (invited to step
into by the way it was designed), low and high water
volume setting
• Motors in fountain replaced twice in the last 10 years
• Power washing the plaza at least 8 times a year, much
silt drains into the water feature
• All drainage of OTS goes directly into the sanitary
sewer
• Fountain is too loud next to the stage
• Interactive water feature will require water testing
three times per day
• Beer garden will be tough to lay out – maybe a
permanent beer concession location that does not
involve a lot of setup logistics
• Stage – hanging flower pots block the stage lighting
• Very difficult to load equipment on and off stage due
to location, lots of congestion near the bathrooms
• Performances range from 5-piece blues band to
12-piece salsa band
• Much congestion at the stairs in front of Ben and
Jerry’s
APPENDIX
location for photos
WATER FEATURE (NEW)
What we heard:
• Would like to see a splash pad in the space for kids to
play in the summer
• Water feature at Oak Street Plaza very popular
although slippery when wet
Recommendation:
• Consider additional of water features in OTS that could
be more interactive and attract people in down times
Recommendation:
• Look at ways to improve overall trash containment and
removal for restaurants and events
SITE FURNITURE
What we heard:
• The site furniture is dated and needs to be replaced
enough space for several kids
• The play area is probably not as safe as it should be
• The soft rubber play surfacing needs to be replaced
• It would be great to have more interactive play
elements with the animals or other structures
Recommendation:
• Keep and possibly expand the play area to attract
more families to OTS
• Keep play areas located in the shade
• Incorporate new rubberized play surface with the
design
• Look at making the play elements more interactive
• Explore LED lighting technology that allows for more
control, color variations
• Improve low level lighting at steps to reduce tripping
connection
• Look at ideas for improving Whitton Court Alley (East)
or Whitton Court (West) to create a safer environment
• Recommend better lighting and have lighting controls
accessible to emergency responders in all the alleys
close to OTS
public transportation access (ie - buses and taxi cabs)
at night for the bar crowd. The square is poorly lit
at night and patrons of the bars or other night-time
businesses have a hard time obtaining transportation
when those businesses close
• Better dining for people with allergies to foods- Gluten
free, dairy free, corn free, etc. Also a larger area for
kids to play and get wet. A fountain that they could
play in would be wonderful!
NOT want to see changed?
8. If Old Town Square had “____” (this element or feature)
I would visit, attend or plan personal time around this type
of activity.
Designing Old Town Square at the May 2nd Pavilion open house
Posting comments at the May 14th public open house
1983 Sketch of Old Town Square by Jim Leggitt
Elin Moorman
Tom Milligan
Bevin Parker
Riley Phipps
Jim Reidhead
Brett Rindt
Mike Short
Tyler Siegmund
Mary Ellen Sinnwell
Brian Soukup
Mike Stanton
Nina Stanton
Josh Stone
Ed Stoner
Lee Swanson
Pat Stryker
Joe Vader
Holly Wright
Ellen Zibell
Cheryl Zimlich
Photography
Play area
Railings
Restrooms
Signage (wayfinding, identification)
Site furniture
Sound (speakers)
Storefronts
Trash
Walnut Street
Water feature (interactive)
Water feature (existing)
Utilities
ZONE CHARACTER DIAGRAMS 55
Introduction
Zone 1 - Events Square
Zone 2 - Central Plaza
Zone 3 - The Forest
Zone 4 - CooperSmith’s Alley
Zone 5 - Whitton Court Alley (East)
Zone 6 - Perimeter
APPENDIX 63
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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