Neighborhood
Vision
The Old Town Neighborhoods are Unique, Livable,
Connected, and Sustainable. As mature, established
neighborhoods, many of the ideas and opportunities
expressed by stakeholders in support of the Old
Town Neighborhoods vision emphasize preserving
and enhancing the qualities that already make the
neighborhoods a great place to live.
Developed with the aid of residents, a stakeholder
group, City staff, and elected officials, the vision for
the Old Town Neighborhoods reflects a collection
of values, opportunities, and feelings about the
neighborhoods as they exist today and as they are
envisioned in the future.
The vision also builds upon many of the ideas
expressed in the original neighborhood plans
developed in the 1980s. While the neighborhoods
have evolved and face new challenges and
opportunities, the ideas of celebrating their one-ofa-kind elements, enhancing mobility, and promoting
neighborhood pride continue.
Vision Structure
The Old Town Neighborhoods vision is comprised
of four topic areas: Unique, Livable, Connected,
and Sustainable, shown below. These topic areas
represent the defining physical and cultural elements
of the neighborhood, and are supported by value
statements that identify specific principles to guide
future policies and projects.
Combined, the vision statements and values for
each topic area describe neighborhood elements
to preserve or enhance for the present and future.
The goal of the neighborhood vision is to provide
the foundation for future neighborhood policies,
programs, and projects.
UNIQUE
LIVABLE
Neighborhood character,
history, & design
POLICIES
Neighborhood land-use &
transitions to downtown/CSU
PROGRAMS
PROJECTS
CONNECTED
SUSTAINABLE
Neighborhood travel &
mobility
Social, environmental &
financial vibrancy
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
1
Vision at a Glance
Summarized below are the broad neighborhood
elements within each topic area. The following
pages illustrate these elements and incorporate the
neighborhood’s values.
Unique
Livable
Connected
Sustainable
Diversity of Building
Styles
Anticipate and
Manage Change
Enhanced Arterial
Corridors
Variety of Housing
Choices
Historic Context
Smooth Transitions
Improved
Connectivity
Socioeconomic
Diversity
Compatible Design
Neighborhood
Identity
Safe Travel
Environment
Connected Open
Space Network
Walkability and
Bikeability
Environmental
Stewardship
Grid Street Pattern
Adequate
Infrastructure
Single-Family
Character
Landscaping and
Tree Canopy
Social Interaction
High Quality of Life
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
2
Unique
Vision Statement: Celebrating and enhancing the qualities that make the
neighborhoods unique and that foster “Old Town Charm”
Values:
•
•
•
•
Recognizing and protecting historic resources
Celebrating the eclectic mix and diversity of home sizes, styles, and residents
New construction that is sensitive to the neighborhood character and context
Well-maintained landscaping and tree canopies
Diverse home sizes, styles, and unique landscaping
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
3
Livable
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods designed for friendly interactions and a
high quality of life
Values:
• Maintaining the stability of single-family neighborhoods
• Compatible buffer areas between the neighborhoods and Downtown / CSU
• Front porches, urban gardens, and quiet streets that promote friendly interactions,
evening strolls, and neighborhood pride
Compatible transitions from downtown to the neighborhoods
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
4
Connected
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods integrated into the community with safe
and convenient travel options
Values:
• Multiple travel options that take advantage of the historic street grid pattern and short
neighborhood blocks
• Easy-to-cross arterial streets that balance functionality as both commuting corridors
and neighborhood streets
• Continued enhancement of the neighborhood bicycle and pedestrian networks
Safe and convenient travel options to nearby amenities and destinations
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
5
Sustainable
Vision Statement: Neighborhoods with the resources and knowledge to
help maintain and improve their economic, social, and environmental vibrancy
Values:
• A variety of housing choices to sustain the capability to live in the neighborhoods for all
ages, income levels, and family situations
• Connected green spaces, urban gardens, and access to nearby natural amenities
• Environmental stewardship
• Renewed neighborhood infrastructure for the present and future
Environmental sustainability with urban agriculture, neighborhood greenways, and solar power generation
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
6
What We Heard...
“Old Town has charm
that isn’t found in newer
developments.
It
is
interesting, unique, and
beautiful with its wide streets
and diverse appearance. I
love the diverse population
of Old Town too.”
“Preserving the character
of these neighborhoods is
important in keeping Fort
Collins as we know it, but
it is also important to allow
home owners to express
themselves and have the
homes of their dreams.
In 200 years none of these
buildings will be the same
and it’s important to design
a plan to accommodate
for change and to build on
existing ideas...”
“We have gridded streets
which are great for multimodal
transportation.
Let’s make that even
better.”
“I would love to see the
bike and walking routes
continue to be upgraded
until the sidewalks and
bike
lanes
connect
citywide.”
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
“Historic properties are what
make Old Town unique, but
retaining the character of Old
Town is more about variety
than it is about sameness.”
7
What do you like most about the Old Town Neighborhoods?
Summer 2015 Visioning Survey - top responses:
Mature Trees &
Landscaping
Residents appreciate and value
unique and mature landscaping
throughout the neighborhood.
Tree-lined streets, foliage, and
flower gardens add richness
through every season.
Diversity of Home
Sizes & Styles
The evolution of the Old Town
Neighborhoods has resulted in
a diverse mix of architectural
styles and home sizes residents
recognize as a defining feature of
the neighborhoods.
Walkable Street
Pattern
Short blocks and close proximity
to a variety of destinations like
downtown and CSU create a
pleasant and convenient walking
environment.
Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision
8