In the heart of Downtown Fort Collins, a full city block has been reimagined into a vibrant, community-centered destination. The Exchange, designed by RVi in collaboration with Brinkman Development and the City of Fort Collins, reflects what’s possible when thoughtful planning, adaptive reuse, and placemaking come together with a clear purpose.

This project wasn’t about blending in. It was about creating something intentionally different – an “open entertainment district” where people could move freely, explore local businesses, and shape their own experience. As Regional Vice President Paul Mills described, the goal was to create “an eclectic, unique space downtown that’s different… a surprising element” within the historic fabric of Old Town.

A new way to see the block

The Exchange began with a broader challenge: an entire block that had grown tired and underperforming over time. While the parking lot became a visible focal point, it was just one piece of a much larger opportunity. Initially, the property was acquired with plans for a more traditional mixed-use, multifamily development. But as Mills noted, “the fiscal reality to scrape everything and build a whole new building was deemed too expensive.” That constraint became the catalyst for a more creative solution.

Rather than starting from scratch, RVi worked with Brinkman Development to reimagine the site as a community-centered destination. The vision shifted toward creating a place where restaurants, bars, retail, and open space could coexist in a way that felt organic and approachable. 

At the heart of the design is a central green lawn, intentionally left open and flexible. This space anchors the site while allowing it to evolve throughout the day and across seasons. It’s not over-programmed or overly defined. Instead, it invites a wide array of use, whether that’s kids playing, friends gathering, or live music activating the space. 

“We’re not trying to program every space to be something,” Mills explained. “Just let it be open and let people choose their adventure.” 

This mindset shaped every aspect of the project, turning what could have been a conventional development into a dynamic, community-driven environment. 

Designing for flexibility, interaction, and everyday use 

One of the defining characteristics of The Exchange is its emphasis on flexibility. Rather than prescribing how people should use the space, the design creates opportunities for a wide range of experiences to unfold naturally. 

The central lawn is complemented by movable furniture, shaded areas, and interactive elements, such as a putting green and ping pong tables. These features allow users to shape the space as they like, by pulling chairs together, creating gathering spots, or simply finding a place to relax. “That really is the definition of flexible space,” Mills noted.  

Surrounding the green, outdoor patios extend the usability of the site, supporting year-round events and entertainment. The integration of a common consumption area further enhances the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy offerings from multiple vendors while remaining within a shared, social environment. 

Custom seating, benches, and thoughtfully placed gathering areas encourage people to linger. The design fosters casual interaction. It’s a place where families, students, and visitors can coexist comfortably, each finding their own way to engage in the space. 

Mills described it as having “the ability to spread your wings between establishments,” where even children can move freely within a safe, open environment. That sense of freedom—of not being confined to a single use or experience—is what sets The Exchange apart. 

Adaptive reuse and a bold design identity 

Visually, The Exchange stands in deliberate contrast to its surroundings. Located within the historic context of Old Town Fort Collins, known for its consistent red brick architecture, the project introduces a fresh, contemporary character shaped by adaptive reuse. 

Repurposed shipping containers define the perimeter of the site, housing a mix of local food, beverage, and retail vendors. This approach not only reflects a more sustainable, cost-effective solution, but also establishes a distinct identity for the space. “It doesn’t just blend in with the surrounding aesthetics,” Mills said. “It’s intentionally contrasting.” 

That contrast is part of the experience. 

The Exchange emerges as something unexpected—modern, open, and energetic. The containers create intimate, people-oriented environments along the edges, while the central green opens up to provide breathing room and visibility across the site. 

Layered throughout are elements of public art, color, and texture that reinforce the eclectic spirit of Fort Collins. The design bridges indoor and outdoor experiences seamlessly, allowing people to move fluidly between vendor spaces and the open plaza. 

A thoughtful and meaningful transformation 

The Exchange is a clear example of how constraints can lead to better outcomes. What began as a financially driven shift away from traditional development became an opportunity to create something more meaningful, something rooted in community, flexibility, and experience. 

Through integrated design, planning, and entitlement services, RVi helped transform an overlooked site into a vibrant, family-friendly destination that supports local businesses and strengthens the cultural fabric of Old Town Fort Collins.