Historic Fort Collins Development Corporation

Working with a broad range of partners to undertake strategic projects that preserve the Fort Collins area's historic resources, as a rallying point for community pride, economic health and improved quality of life

Board of Directors

Judith Albright

Jennifer Carpenter

Bud Frick

Bradley Goetz

Richard Hill

Mary Humstone

Karen Joslin

Karen Waddell

Jim White

Advisory Board

John Albright Sherry Albertson-Clark

Jim Joy

James Hunter

Rheba Massey

Karen McWilliams

David Mitchell

July 17, 2000

Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of City Council:

On behalf of the Historic Fort Collins Development Corporation, we applaud the City staff's efforts to consider carefully the future of the Poudre River Corridor. This natural asset has the potential to expand our community in a positive and exciting way. We encourage the City of Fort Collins, however, to address several important issues beyond the scope of the currently proposed Program.

The most urgent issue at this time is the consideration of new and large-scale construction projects. While property owners are trying to include references to past buildings in proposed projects, we must remember that the visual reference for people on the street will be only what they can see today. Building materials, architectural detail, and especially the proportions of a building's elements must draw from existing properties and use the best of those historic features. We recognize the desire to maximize the economic development of any property; four or five stories may actually be necessary. Using examples present on both Linden and College Ave, you will notice that while entire blocks may be filled with buildings end to end, they do not present a solid monolith. A natural rhythm ebbs and flows and relieves the overwhelming mass of the building. Any new construction or reconstruction must do the same. Historic Fort Collins would be happy to provide examples how this has been successfully accomplished in other communities.

We ask the City to look carefully at the standards set forth in the Land Use Code with regard to adjacent significant historic structures. These sections of the Code are a slim outline of what can widely affect an entire area of the community. We urge much greater detail and quantification be added for specific designated areas. Because of the significance of and proximity to so many contributing historic structures, we strongly request that all the property between Old Town and the River from College Avenue to Mulberry Street be considered a special district of its own. It is vitally important to ease the transition from the most recognizable part of our town to a brand new river development without detracting from or overshadowing the visible part of our history.

The City has spent a great deal of effort over the last twenty years considering the future of the River Corridor. City planners have exhibited their professionalism; citizen input has been extensive. But, the importance of doing this right requires a professionally produced, comprehensive master plan. The proposed Program and current city review process is still too piecemeal to afford the appropriate level of supervision for a project of this scope and duration. Hire a professional firm that specializes in large scale, urban redevelopment to put the meat on the current outline of a plan.

Historic Fort Collins also encourages the City staff to gather another set of data. Before any development proposals go forward, it is important to assess the current state of the property. The area in question is, after all, the very birthplace of our city and community. We call on the City to instigate a formal survey of all historic and archaeological resources that may be present in the proposed River development area. This information would then be the foundation for any long term Master Plan.

Lastly, we formally and emphatically request a Design Review Subcommittee be formed and empowered to implement the historic design criteria we have urged you to adopt. There must be, over the next several years of growth, an intermediate level of review that does not have the stringent and specific mission of preserving landmarked structures, but that goes beyond the current level of review. There is no need for every owner and/or developer to become specialists in Fort Collins historic architecture. A team comprised of city staff and appropriate community professionals can shoulder the burden of assuring a cooperative and successful river redevelopment. Of course, Historic Fort Collins would like a seat at that table.

Sincerely,

Mary Humstone, President, HFCDC