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DDA presents designs for East Mulberry and Chestnut alleys; commission offers advisory feedback
Summary
Representatives of the Downtown Development Authority presented schematic designs Jan. 15 for two downtown alley enhancements — East Mulberry–Myrtle and Chestnut–Jefferson — and the Historic Preservation Commission offered advisory feedback focused on historic‑resource protection and design details.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Downtown Development Authority presented schematic designs for two downtown alley enhancement projects — the East Mulberry–Myrtle alley and the Chestnut–Jefferson alley — to the Fort Collins Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 15. The commission provided advisory feedback and asked staff and the DDA to monitor potential impacts to adjacent historic resources.
Todd Dangerfield, project manager for capital projects with the DDA, outlined the project history and scope, saying the DDA has completed multiple pilot and subsequent alley projects since 2006 and is advancing two new alleys as part of a larger program. John Beggs of RVI Planning (formerly Russell Mills) described design themes: a pollinator‑inspired, plant‑focused concept and a contrasting industrial/“Corten” motif for Chestnut. Beggs said the team aims to use decorative traffic‑rated pavers, integrated pedestrian lighting, planting islands, seating, sculptural elements and screened or consolidated trash enclosures as recurring elements.
"I'd like to thank you all for having us here tonight to present the latest phase of alley projects," Dangerfield said. Beggs added: "I love this town," and described plans for whimsical allium sculptures, planted totem planters and subtle night lighting intended to draw pedestrians into the alleys without creating harsh glare.
Staff and the DDA highlighted coordination with utilities and the city’s capital project review process. Construction is scheduled to start in April 2025 with a substantial completion target in November 2025, and the design team expected to reach about 90% design in February. DDA said it is negotiating permanent easements with property owners for installations located on private parcels and that Parks will perform ongoing maintenance under those easements if they are finalized.
Historic preservation staff cautioned that the East Mulberry alley abuts a number of designated city landmarks and forms the west boundary of the Laurel School Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Staff and DDA described a plan of protection to minimize construction‑period damage to accessory historic structures — notably the carriage house that spans 509 and 515 Remington Avenue. Staff said that carriage house will be the subject of a separate rehabilitation and relocation proposal expected to come before the commission in February.
Commissioners expressed broad support for the alley program and praised the variety of design approaches. Commissioners also urged the team to keep the Chestnut alley’s industrial palette softened with plantings and careful lighting choices so installations feel welcoming and not harsh. Commissioners asked about sequencing if the carriage house move is delayed; DDA said it will phase construction, temporarily skirt the structure and return to complete finishing work once the structure is relocated or will install a raised curb condition if relocation does not occur.
The presentation concluded with no required action by the commission; staff emphasized the commission’s role is advisory on alley design and directly regulatory only when proposed work affects designated historic resources requiring certificates of appropriateness.
