Old Firehouse Alley West

Running parallel to Walnut Street, Old Firehouse Alley West is located behind the historic Old Firehouse building and connects Pine Street to Linden Street. Completed in 2010, this was one of the first alleys designed for full vehicular access, allowing for essential ‘back-of-house’ functions like deliveries and trash removal to still take place RVi Planning (formerly Russell+ Mills Studio) was hired by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) 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, businesses, City Staff, and various City boards.

The project's goal was to create a catalyst for redevelopment and to create rich and vibrant shared pedestrian and vehicular spaces within Fort Collins’ alley network. Designing in the downtown core presents unique challenges both above and below ground when working adjacent to historic structures and encountering a myriad of underground utilities.

The alleyway enhancement demonstrates how forgotten parcels of downtown can be turned into lively, energized places. The design was careful not to inject over-designed and gimmicky elements, aiming rather for simple gestures to develop a timeless and elegant, organized design. In this alley, 20 granite pavers depict historic-themed images created by local youth.