Fort Collins Downtown Alley Enhancements – Old Firehouse Alley

Russell + Mills Studios was hired by the Downtown Development Authority to develop Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents for Montezuma Fuller and Old Firehouse Alleys outlined in the Downtown Alleys Master Plan. The work involved extensive public input from property owners, City Staff, Artists and various Boards and Commissions. Russell Mills Studios was the lead consultant for the design efforts and design team which includes Civil Engineers, Traffic Engineers, Consulting Artists, Lighting Designers and an Architect. The goal of the project is to create a catalyst for redevelopment and create rich and vibrant shared pedestrian/vehicular spaces within Fort Collins’ rich alley network. Designing in old downtown areas presents unique challenges of old utilities and abandoned systems. The alleyway enhancement demonstrate how forgotten parcels of downtown can be turned into vibrant, energize places. The design was careful not to inject over-designed and gimmicky elements, aiming rather for simple gestures to develop an organized design that is timeless and elegant.