CREJ - Building Dialogue - June 2017
Calling themselves “a victim of their own success,” Old Town Square’s original 1983 urban design elements had outlived their effectiveness to serve the growing community. Goals for the renovation of Old Town Square were to preserve the intimacy, scale and materials used in the original design, and to elevate the value of the space for the community. The resulting design preserves the historical character of the square, while updating it to serve a diverse user group. Sacred elements of the square such as the “Spirit of Fort Collins” fountain and mature trees were preserved. The event space was redesigned for larger audiences, and fixed seating areas were replaced with movable bistro tables and chairs. Original water features were renovated and an interactive pop-jet fountain was added. The playground was expanded, updated and better segregated from pedestrian areas. The design creates spaces that respond to the way people socialize and interact today. The plaza is active all times of day and during all seasons, and achieves the city’s goal of welcoming children, families and a diverse range of citizens. Fort Collins’ Old Town Square Renovation | studioINSITE PROJECT TEAM CLIENT: Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: studioINSITE CIVIL, STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: JVA Consulting Engineering MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: Beaudin Ganze LIGHTING DESIGN: Clanton & Associates ARCHITECTURE: ArchitecturePlus AQUATIC DESIGN: OLC Aquatics AUDIO TECHNICIANS: K2 Audio