Downtown businesses warn proposed Remington Lot housing deal could remove critical parking; city says replacement options are being explored

Business owners and cultural venues urged the Fort Collins City Council to rethink plans to offer the city‑owned Oak Remington surface parking lot for a proposed affordable‑housing development led by Housing Catalyst.

Holly McAlee, owner of Killen’s downtown restaurant, told council the lot holds about 160 public parking spaces — including long‑term leased spaces and two‑hour public stalls — and said she had been told replacement parking would not be provided under the revised memorandum of understanding. “We’re going to lose potentially 160 spots,” she said, and warned that a deficit would worsen impacts from a separate water‑main project and a long wait list for existing parking structures.

Dalton Latham, general manager of the Aggie Theater, said about 56 percent of his patrons drive to shows and 56 percent rely on the Oak Remington lot; together with survey data he said the venue contributes an estimated $3.6 million in annual direct economic activity and supports more than 70 jobs. He told council loss of that parking could reduce attendance and ripple through nearby restaurants, bars and hotels.

City response and next steps Deputy City Manager Tyler Maher told council the proposal to engage Housing Catalyst is still early in the sale and development consideration. Maher said the current Memorandum of Understanding does not obligate Catalyst to provide replacement surface parking and that the city has committed to pursue a parallel path with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to explore replacement options nearby. He said the item is scheduled for the council finance committee and staff is “optimistic and committed to trying to minimize any impact” to downtown businesses.

Why it matters Downtown merchants and cultural venues say convenient parking is a practical driver of customer traffic, particularly for regional visitors who rely on short‑term stalls. Council members asked staff to check the parking study details, including peak‑hour analyses, and to explore alternatives that would not jeopardize downtown access while advancing affordable‑housing goals.

Ending The council did not vote on the development proposal at this meeting. Staff said the matter will come to the finance committee and council with additional analysis, and councilors asked the housing and parking teams to pursue replacement options, demand modeling and clearer business outreach.