Montezuma Fuller Alley

Named in honor of the notable local architect, Montezuma Fuller (1858-1925), this alley was designed to preserve full vehicular access and was completed in 2010. Running parallel to S. College Avenue to the west, this alley connects E. Mountain Avenue to E. Oak Street and a spur that connects to Remington Street. The alley features consolidated trash and recycling enclosures, vibrant murals, hanging flower baskets, and festive Tivoli lights, lending itself to feeling clean, safe, and welcoming.

Montezuma Fuller was a well-known and prolific carpenter, architect, contractor, and builder in and around the Fort Collins area from 1881 until he died in 1925. He built primary residences, schools, business blocks, and churches. Rather than adhering to any particular architectural style, his designs represented what was popular at the time, including Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival. A highlight of his career was designing the Avery Block, completed in 1897, and built to house the First National Bank.   

Montezuma Fuller Alley is brought to life with 20 granite pavers that depict historic theme images created by local children. Installed on the ground, the pavers are located throughout the alley, inviting pedestrians to explore and discover these gems hiding in plain sight. Painted in 2018, as part of the Fort Collins Mural Project, a small storage building is adorned with a colorful mural co-created by Travis Gillan and Abram Aleo.   At the rear of 140-142 S. College Avenue, a building also designed by Montezuma Fuller, is an alley residence. This two-story residence was constructed in 2010 and symbolizes the private sector’s appreciation for the enhanced alley system by creating new leasable spaces that are only accessible from the alley. 

The alley also features several Transformer Cabinet Murals. The Transformer Cabinet Mural Project was started in 2004 as a collaboration between the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program and City of Fort Collins Light and Power. Serving as a graffiti abatement program, the murals help lower maintenance costs while adding bright, colorful art in unexpected places.