Portfolio Public Places

Linden Street Renovation

Linden Street renovation balances business needs with community events.

Downtown Fort Collins at dusk, featuring string lights and historic brick buildings.

Linden Street, Fort Collins, at dusk with illuminated string lights and blue skies.

Linden Street in Fort Collins at dusk with string lights and historic brick buildings.

Linden Street in Fort Collins at night with string lights and neon rings.

Linden Street in Fort Collins at night with festive string lights and parked cars.

Festive outdoor lights adorn Linden Street in Fort Collins at dusk, creating a vibrant scene.

Size

1 acre

Location

Fort Collins, Colorado

Client

Ditesco and City of Fort Collins

When asked to provide a renovation plan for transforming Linden Street in Downtown Fort Collins into a convertible event street, RVi professionals delivered urban design and construction documentation services that create a lasting impression and support local business needs.

GOALS

Our team prioritized pedestrian connectivity and amenities to forge a meaningful connection between Old Town Square and the River District. The design concept centered on creating a flexible festival street that could adapt to multiple uses, accommodating both vehicle traffic and special events while maintaining business accessibility.

OUTCOMES

The completed design features a flush, curbless plaza that can be closed to vehicles during events while maintaining business access when necessary. This innovative approach creates a seamless transition between pedestrian and vehicular zones, eliminating traditional barriers that separate street from sidewalk. We re-designed street cross-sections to create larger pedestrian spaces, expand outdoor patios, add human scale elements and street trees, as well as street furnishings and enhanced lightings.

Locals gained the flexibility to expand their patios as desired, and the parking was reconfigured from diagonal to parallel arrangements. This modification enhanced the overall flow and functionality of the street while also creating additional opportunities for outdoor dining and commercial activity.

The transformation successfully established Linden Street as a dynamic public space capable of hosting community festivals, farmers markets, and special events without compromising day-to-day business operations. The design promotes accessibility for all users while creating a cohesive visual experience that enhances the character of downtown Fort Collins. By prioritizing pedestrian amenities and flexible programming, the project supports the city’s broader downtown revitalization efforts and strengthens connections between key commercial and recreational districts. The completed streetscape serves as both practical infrastructure and community gathering space, demonstrating how thoughtful urban design can balance multiple stakeholders’ needs while creating memorable public environments.

Urban Spaces