HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupporting Documentation - Response to Comments - 08/06/202534389042.2
MINIMAL RISK. PAINLESS PROCESS. BEAUTIFUL SPACES.
o: 970.224.5828 | w: ripleydesigninc.com
RIPLEY DESIGN, INC. | 236 Linden Street, Suite A | Fort Collins, CO 80524
300 E. Mountain
Response to Compatibility Comments | Cover Letter
August 6th, 2025
Our project team would like to thank City staff for your continued engagement and
coordination with City staff and the thoughtful feedback throughout the review of the 300 E.
Mountain project. Your recommendation for approval illustrates how the code provisions
can be read in harmony. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the City’s remaining
comments.
As a starting point for analysis, we believe it is important to clarify how the Fort Collins Land
Use Code (LUC), specifically sections 5.15.1(E)(1), and Section 5.15.2(E)(1) apply to this project.
As you know, The Downtown District (D) Zoning Code is intentionally written to allow for
design flexibility and creativity while maintaining a “sense of history, human scale, and
pedestrian-oriented character." This allows new developments like 300 E. Mountain to
balance and champion the historic context of the district while providing site-specific design
and evolving architectural expression.. Per established legal principles in Colorado, municipal
codes must be interpreted in a way that furthers their intended purpose, avoids
contradictions, and ensures the code functions as a coherent whole.
Codes should be interpreted in ways that help them achieve their goals and give it a
harmonious and sensible effect that avoids illogical or absurd outcomes.
When viewed through this lens, the Fort Collins Land Use Code (LUC) outlines multiple paths
for demonstrating compatibility and uniqueness. It does not mandate uniformity or historic
replication. The language of Section 5.15.1(E)(1) and Section 5.15.2(E)(1) explicitly allows for
dissimilar materials and modern forms, as long as they are contextually responsive and
tailored to the site. Our interpretation, as presented, 300 E. Mountain reflects a careful
reading of the LUC that considers not just isolated clauses, but the broader goals of the
Downtown District: to promote vibrant, pedestrian-oriented design that respects history while
encouraging contemporary, place-specific architecture.
We remain confident that the proposed design meets both the letter and intent of the
Downtown District Code. 300 E. Mountain uses materials, form, and massing to respond to its
civic context while contributing to the district’s evolving character. The Code is not a tool for
34389042.2
MINIMAL RISK. PAINLESS PROCESS. BEAUTIFUL SPACES.
o: 970.224.5828 | w: ripleydesigninc.com
RIPLEY DESIGN, INC. | 236 Linden Street, Suite A | Fort Collins, CO 80524
rigid uniformity, but a framework for context-driven, creative design. Interpreting it
holistically—as required under Colorado law—ensures it supports the vibrancy, diversity, and
architectural innovation envisioned for Downtown Fort Collins.
Included within this submittal package are both the drawing revisions and formal responses
to the second round comment letter.