GREELEY, Colo. — City of Greeley communications staff on June 2 presented a concept plan to revitalize the Downtown Civic Campus with Lincoln Park as its central, 5.7-acre hub and said construction of the park’s first phase is anticipated to start in late fall or winter 2025 pending final design approvals.

The presentation, given by Winona McLaren, Greeley’s director of communication and engagement, described a phased, community-driven plan that would preserve and adapt registered historic buildings while adding features such as an amphitheater, a great lawn, shaded walkways, play areas and flexible gathering pavilions. “Downtown Civic Campus is, not just about the buildings here that make up the Tri City, City Hall, City Center South, City Center North, but really looking at what does the entirety of downtown look like when we think strategically and planning for the future,” McLaren said.

Why it matters: Lincoln Park is on the Greeley Historic Register and sits at the core of the city’s historic downtown. Commissioners said they want the commission to review the park concept before final design approvals so potential impacts on designated historic resources and adaptive reuse opportunities are evaluated early in the process.

Most important facts: McLaren said the project team is working with consultants and intends a phased approach so the city can spread costs and pursue grants. She listed primary community priorities identified during outreach—an amphitheater and lawn for events, more trees and shade, accessible walkways, play areas and design elements that reflect Greeley’s history. “This is just a concept only. This is your, vision test for the day,” McLaren said.

During discussion, commissioners asked for clarifications about how civic buildings and existing structures were represented in the concept renderings. A commissioner noted that Lincoln Park is designated on the Greeley Historic Register and urged the city to present final plans to the Historic Preservation Commission before completing approvals so the commission can evaluate potential impacts to protected resources.

Supporting details and background: McLaren described the Civic Campus as “catalytic,” intended to spur more downtown activity and economic investment. She said the plan emphasizes adaptive reuse of registered historic buildings and upgrading civic facilities while preserving the “Greeley” character. The presentation included renderings showing potential walkways and infrastructure and an itemized list of community-desired features gathered during outreach.

What’s next: McLaren said the city will finalize consultant design work and that staff can return to the commission with timing and further details once final design approvals are set. Commissioners asked staff to schedule a briefing specifically for the commission so members can review design documents before they are finalized.

Ending: The commission voted to accept the staff presentation for information and asked staff to invite the project team to a future meeting so commissioners can review the final design package and discuss implications for designated resources and adaptive reuse.