Downtown Development Authority

D O W N T O W N D E V E L O P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y

19 Old Town Square
Suite 230
Fort Collins, CO 80524

970-484-2020

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Trimble Court Alley before

after

Trimble Court Alley after

"The DDA's alleyway renovation project is the greatest thing to happen since 1905 when Trimble Court was originally paved. Trimble Court Artisans Coop was established at 118 Trimble Court in 1971 and has earned its place in Old Town Fort Collins as a treasured heirloom. I became a coop member in 1976 and our future has never looked brighter. Since 2005 our sales have increased 60%, no doubt in great part due to the alleyway enhancements. Because of this positive change we are able to remain true to and realize our goals as an artists' cooperative. We are delighted to distribute yearly dividends to our members and in spring of 2008 we were actually able to lower our member's commission rate. Apart from the obvious financial gains, we have experienced a heightened sense of community and a joy in our surroundings that is truly inspirational. We celebrate Trimble Court as a friendly and inviting place that feels like home. We just plain love it and we thank you."

Diane Findley
President
Trimble Court Artisans Co-op, Inc.

Pilot Project
In 2004, the City’s Downtown Strategic Plan identified the alleys in the downtown area as an untapped opportunity for enhanced pedestrian connections. A couple of years later, UniverCity Connections reinforced this notion and suggested the alley network between CSU and Downtown could establish a unique physical link between CSU, Old Town Square and the River District. In 2006, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) initiated a pilot project which included improving the pedestrian-only Trimble Court (connecting College and Old Town Square) and Tenney Court (connecting Mountain with the Civic Center Parking Structure). Our goal in initiating this project was to enhance the alleys aesthetically and to stimulate increased economic vitality and use of these spaces.

In addition to the quote in the sidebar (to your left), another sign that the pilots were successful is the level to which private property owners have improved their property to integrate with and open to the improved alleys. For example, shortly after the completion of the alley improvement, the Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toy store at 111 North College Avenue created an alley entrance with windows, a portico, tile work and artwork.

Fort Collins Downtown Alleys Master Plan
Dec 1, 2008 | 94 pags | 31m

Master Plan
In 2008, the DDA engaged local design firm Russell+Mills Studios to create a master plan of the alleys between CSU, downtown and the River District. Once the existing alleys were surveyed, Russell+Mills Studios produced a master plan showing a vision for what the alleys could potentially become with both public and private investments. The master planning process included a concept workshop with downtown building owners and business community, two open houses, and input opportunities with several City boards and commissions. The master plan process culminated with a walk-through of each of the alleys with interested community members and leaders who ranked the alleys based upon their opportunities for improvement and the challenges associated with making the improvements. This scorecard was used to inform the DDA about which alleys to improve and in what order. The master plan is available to view or download to your right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will trucks and cars be able to use the alleys still?
All alleys aside from pilot projects Trimble and Tenney Courts, the alleys will accommodate delivery and trash trucks, cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. One exception to this may be the south third of Alley D where the alley intersects with Laurel Street. If we are successful at procuring alternate access for several parking spaces that are currently accessed off the alley, we will close this section to vehicular traffic in order to provide enhanced safety and amenity on this section.

Who will own and maintain the improvements?
The City of Fort Collins will own the improvements and the rights-of-way will still be public. There is an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and Downtown Development Authority to allow the DDA to make improvements in the public rights-of-way. The City’s Parks and Recreation will be contracted by the DDA to maintain the alleys as they do Old Town Square.