Trimble Court

Alleys in most cities are like the backyards of downtown businesses. They are often characterized by unpleasant smells, the presence of dumpsters, and an image that is less than safe. What if these alleys were to be transformed into vibrant pedestrian spaces?

In 2004, the City of Fort Collins Downtown Strategic Plan identified a "pedestrian strategy," a concept to integrate pedestrian infrastructure by dramatically enhancing alleyways that connect prominent destinations such as parking structures and Old Town Square Plaza. As a result, in 2006, the DDA and City of Fort Collins partnered on the first pedestrian-only pilot alleyway projects:  Tenney Court Alley and Trimble Court Alley. These alley improvements integrated urban design features that significantly enhanced the visual pedestrian experience, improved safety and cleanliness, stimulated businesses to build storefronts opening to the alleys, and provided the framework and template for future alley enhancements in the downtown.

The design by Edaw completed in 2006 is the original renovated alleyway in the downtown area that connects Old Town Square Plaza with the district’s main shopping corridor on College Avenue.   The alley supports the primary storefront entrance of Trimble Court Artisans, a local art retail cooperative, and encourages non-traditional pedestrian connections and gorgeous horticulture displays in the summer.