Larimer County reports progress on Ranch Master Plan Phase 2; commissioners asked for more analysis on siting and costs

Porsche Cook, who leads strategic communications for the Ranch Master Plan, told the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners on March 30 that Phase 2 focuses on commercial-driven growth to expand amenities, improve visitor experience and advance long-term financial self‑sufficiency. Cook said no board action was requested at the work session.

Phase 2A includes the event lawn expansion (in active construction), an outdoor amphitheater, an event plaza, campus infrastructure, wayfinding and signage improvements, a 4‑H sanctioned outdoor archery range, and upgrades to youth and arena facilities. Phase 2B projects include an exposition center and a full‑service hotel that staff expect to advance through public‑private partnerships rather than the dedicated 5% sales and use tax revenue.

"We will be hosting the fair on the new event lawn," Cook said, and she added the lawn is designed to support semi trucks and carnival infrastructure. Project manager Lindseay Chalf reported the event lawn is projected to be complete by the end of July and described stormwater work, including a detention pond the team said is sized for a 100‑year event and typically must drain within about 40 hours.

Chalf and ranch director Connor McGrath said two Phase 2 projects — the exposition center and youth hockey facility — were moved back to the master‑plan phase after new information emerged during design. The county purchased about 72 acres north of Andalusian after the original master plan was adopted; the existing McKe and Peterson Toyota buildings on the current campus present feasibility constraints (the Peterson building would require demolition to meet hockey ceiling requirements), and staff are studying whether youth sports would be better sited on the North 72.

"We are really looking at the program needs and the visions for that property," Chalf said, explaining the team is evaluating how to preserve existing buildings while accommodating future uses. Chalf cautioned that building on the North 72 would require new utilities and infrastructure and that cost and timing implications are under analysis; she said the team expects a final draft analysis by late April or early May and would return to the board with recommendations thereafter.

Staff reported combined expenditures to date across Phase 2 projects of about $6.7 million. Cook noted the county requested $110 million in COP proceeds, received just under $120 million, and has earned roughly $1.7 million in interest so far. The county plans to deliver construction work through a construction manager at risk (CMAR) and staff said they will extend an offer to a construction partner once contracts are signed. For the hotel, staff said an RFP issued to two qualified partners will close April 27.

Commissioners asked staff to share more detailed land‑use and cost information off line; staff agreed to provide follow‑up materials and a timeline for returning with recommendations. The meeting concluded with no motions or votes on Phase 2 projects and with staff continuing design and procurement work.