Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

Vision StructureThe 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.

Neighborhood VisionThe 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-of-

a-kind elements, enhancing mobility, and promoting

neighborhood pride continue.

UNIQUENeighborhood character,

history, & design

LIVABLENeighborhood land-use &

transitions to downtown/CSU

CONNECTEDNeighborhood travel &

mobility

SUSTAINABLESocial, environmental &

financial vibrancy

POLICIES

PROGRAMS

PROJECTS

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Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

Unique

Diversity of Building Styles

Historic Context

Compatible Design

Single-Family Character

Landscaping and Tree Canopy

Livable

Anticipate and Manage Change

Smooth Transitions

Neighborhood Identity

Social Interaction

High Quality of Life

Connected

Enhanced Arterial Corridors

Improved Connectivity

Safe Travel Environment

Walkability and Bikeability

Grid Street Pattern

Sustainable

Variety of Housing Choices

Socioeconomic Diversity

Connected Open Space Network

Environmental Stewardship

Adequate Infrastructure

Vision at a GlanceSummarized below are the broad neighborhood

elements within each topic area. The following

pages illustrate these elements and incorporate the

neighborhood’s values.

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Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

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

Unique

Diverse home sizes, styles, and unique landscaping

3

Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

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

Livable

Compatible transitions from downtown to the neighborhoods

4

Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

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

Connected

Safe and convenient travel options to nearby amenities and destinations

5

Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

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

Sustainable

Environmental sustainability with urban agriculture, neighborhood greenways, and solar power generation

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Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

What We Heard...

“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 multi-

modal 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 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.”

“Historic properties are what

make Old Town unique, but

retaining the character of Old

Town is more about variety

than it is about sameness.”

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Old Town Neighborhoods Plan | Vision

What do you like most about the Old Town Neighborhoods?Summer 2015 Visioning Survey - top responses:

Mature Trees &

Landscaping

Diversity of Home

Sizes & Styles

Walkable Street

Pattern

Residents appreciate and value

unique and mature landscaping

throughout the neighborhood.

Tree-lined streets, foliage, and

flower gardens add richness

through every season.

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.

Short blocks and close proximity

to a variety of destinations like

downtown and CSU create a

pleasant and convenient walking

environment.

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