Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets)

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (4/21/25-4/25/25):

1. Block 1 waterline construction is complete! (Washington to Jefferson Avenue). Crews are now focused on waterline construction in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln Avenues).
2. The E. 4^th Street & Washington Avenue intersection is fully closed and will remain closed for an additional two weeks. Waterline tie-ins at the intersection are complete and crews are working on storm drain connections. Completion of the storm manholes will allow storm water in 4th Street to continue west.
3. ADVANCE NOTICE: Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) construction will start early May.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (4/14/25 – 4/20/25).

1. The E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue intersection will be closed for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. See press release.
2. During this closure, the new waterline and storm drains will be connected at E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue.
3. Water meter replacements and fire line installations on Block 2 (Lincoln to Jefferson).

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, Communication and Engagement Specialist, 970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org

Heart Improvement Plan prepares for E. 4^th Street and N. Washington Avenue intersection closure on April 14

LOVELAND, Colo. – April 8, 2025 – The Heart Improvement Plan will close the intersection of E. 4^th Street and N. Washington Avenue to begin water and stormwater construction on Monday, April 14, weather permitting. The work is anticipated to be completed within 2 to 3 weeks.

The Heart Improvement Plan’s 4^th Street Revitalization project broke ground on Tuesday, February 25, where the project began removing asphalt, concrete curb and gutter, deteriorated trees and prohibited Ash trees from Washington to Jefferson Avenue. To date, the City’s water division has installed 460 linear feet of waterline and 12 new water services, where these efforts will continue at the intersection of E. 4^th Street and N. Washington Avenue.

The project’s general working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. While the project is under construction along 4^th Street, sidewalks remain open to pedestrians traveling on 4^th Street between Washington to Jefferson Avenue. Business entrances remain open throughout construction. On the evenings and weekends, the project maintains north-south pedestrian access at Jefferson Avenue & 4th Street, this configuration is only in place when deemed safe.

Alternative detour routes during the closure

During the E. 4^th Street and N. Washington Avenue closure, motorists are encouraged to use the designated detour route via E. 7th Street, E. 1st Street, Lincoln Avenue, Cleveland Avenue and Madison Avenue. Local access will be maintained for those within the construction zone. Throughout the duration of construction, pedestrian access will be maintained but rerouted around the active construction areas based on the current phase of work.

As community members navigate during this closure, commuters will need to use E. 5^th Street and Adams Avenue to access the entrances of the City Municipal Complex, Loveland Library, Chilson Recreation Center and Senior Center. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays.

Phase 1A and current operations

Currently, the project is in Phase 1A, where work is dedicated to upgrading water and stormwater infrastructure, as well as roadway replacement. During this phase, work is expected to last between six and eight months in total.

Construction Workzone – Phase 1A

Construction timeline

In partnership with the DDA and local business owners, the construction schedule was designed to minimize disruption to local businesses by dividing the project into five blocks. Construction will begin with Block 1 and Block 2 followed by construction on Block 5, Block 3, and Block 4. Throughout the project, construction on different blocks will overlap, with work starting on some blocks while others are still in progress.

As construction progresses along 4^th Street, the City of Loveland and Loveland Downtown Development Authority are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to downtown businesses during construction. To help business owners effectively communicate with customers about key details such as construction schedules, road closures, parking options, and project outcomes, a Downtown Loveland Business Owner’s Toolkit has been developed. This toolkit includes customizable templates for social media, print signage, parking maps, and FAQs, along with communication tips to help businesses share important updates with customers throughout the construction process. Downtown Business Owners are encouraged to visit downtownloveland.org/heart-improvement-plan to access this toolkit.

Additional project details including construction phasing maps, images and other project updates, can be found at lovgov.org/HIPStreets. To stay informed throughout construction, stakeholders can sign up for the Heart Improvement Plan project newsletter at go.lovgov.org/SubscribetoHIP. For questions about this project or to contact the project team, call Public Works at 970-962-2524 or email HIPStreets@CityofLoveland.org.

About

In 2009, the City of Loveland Public Works Department developed the conceptual plan for the Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets), which explored opportunities to enhance the streets within the historic core of Downtown Loveland. In 2017, after gathering public input, the plan was modernized to include a thoughtful and cost-effective approach to revitalizing 19 core blocks of Downtown Loveland.

The first phase of the Heart Improvement Plan – the 4th Street Revitalization – addresses the five blocks along 4th Street that extend from N. Garfield Avenue to N. Washington Avenue. The current effort is focused on improving 4th Street through streetscape enhancements, while the City of Loveland Water and Power Department works on upgrades to the utility infrastructure beneath the road. As this project is a significant effort, the City of Loveland and the Loveland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have come together to finally bring this portion of the Heart Improvement Plan to fruition.

Project Funding

The Loveland City Council, with a unanimous vote, approved the Certificates of Participation (COPs) financing method providing funding for the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. The project will be funded using a combination of Utility Enterprise Funds and COPs. Utility Enterprise Funds (Stormwater, Water, and Power) will provide $12 million of the project cost, with the remaining $12.5 million funded by COPs. The total estimated program cost for the project is $24.5 million. No General Funds will be utilized or allocated to construct this project.

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for the week (4/07/25-4/13/25):

1. Fire line installations on Blocks 1 & 2 (Lincoln to Washington).
2. Water meter tie-overs on Blocks 1 & 2 (Lincoln to Washington).
3. Midblock pedestrian crossing on Block 1 (Jefferson to Washington) to minimize pedestrian access distances to businesses on the north side of Block 1.
4. ADVANCE NOTICE: The E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue intersection will be closed for 2-3 weeks starting April 14, 2025. Detour and access information will be provided in a press release next week.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for the week (3/31/25-4/5/25):

1. Waterline, fire lines, and water meter tie-overs on Block 1 & 2 (Lincoln to Washington).
2. Major waterline work at Loveland Steam Laundry.
   1. This will require closure of the north sidewalk in front of Loveland Steam Laundry.
   2. A temporary midblock crossing will be provided on Block 1 during this work, people walking will be directed by pedestrian fencing and assisted by workers during work hours.
   3. The water switchover is scheduled for Saturday, 4/5 at which time the sidewalk will be reopened to the current conditions.
3. The remainder of the meters will be constructed using pedestrian shooflies.
   • What is a “shoofly”? A traffic “shoofly" refers to a temporary detour or bypass built to reroute traffic around a construction zone or other obstruction, allowing traffic to continue flowing while work is underway.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (3/24/25-3/28/25):

1. Waterline replacement at Jefferson & 4th Street and east to Washington Avenue.
2. Waterline meter replacement at Loveland Steam Laundry. This will require a pedestrian “shoofly” on the south side of Block 1 (Jefferson to Washington) around the work area.
   • What is a “shoofly”? A traffic “shoofly" refers to a temporary detour or bypass built to reroute traffic around a construction zone or other obstruction, allowing traffic to continue flowing while work is underway.
3. Staging area and material deliveries, 915 E. 10^thStreet.
   • What is a “staging area”? A staging area is a nearby location used to store and organize materials for a construction project. Storing materials directly on-site can disrupt operations, limit space for workers and equipment, and reduce overall efficiency. By supporting effective procurement and inventory management, staging areas help minimize material handling costs and reduce waste, leading to significant project savings.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, Communication and Engagement Specialist, 970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org

Heart Improvement Plan’s 4^th Street Revitalization: Construction to begin in late February

LOVELAND, Colo. – Feb. 11, 2025 – The City of Loveland will begin construction for the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization project in late February, with completion targeted for winter 2026, weather permitting. The work will focus on five blocks along 4th Street from N. Garfield Avenue to N. Washington Avenue, with construction beginning on the first two blocks between N. Washington Avenue and N. Lincoln Avenue. Work will take place during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“After decades of planning and community visioning, we are excited to see the first phase of the Heart Improvement Plan take shape. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration—by upgrading critical utility infrastructure and advancing the vision for downtown Loveland simultaneously, we are ensuring that downtown has the infrastructure to continue to thrive for generations to come. Through this partnership between the City of Loveland and the Downtown Development Authority, we are bringing the long-term vision for our city’s heart to life while making much-needed improvements that will support Downtown Loveland’s future,” said Loveland City Engineer Nicole Hahn.

“We’re so excited to begin working on the renovation and transformation of 4th Street, which is truly Loveland’s Main Street. The work will modernize the street and allow for economic growth for decades to come,” said Sean Hawkins, executive director of the Loveland Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

What will the upcoming improvements include?

• Improving sidewalks to meet ADA accessibility and upgrades to west and east travel lanes.
• Adding a five-foot-wide amenity zone featuring pedestrian lighting, bike racks, decorative fencing, and integrated public art.
• Converting diagonal on-street parking to parallel parking for patio expansions and walkability.
• Crucial upgrades to failing utility infrastructure by replacing the existing cast iron waterline with new 12-inch and 8-inch PVC pipes and installing new stormwater storm drains and gutters.

How will the project manage parking and pedestrian access?

The City of Loveland has expanded parking options around the 4th Street corridor to ensure convenient access for visitors. Parking is available in the Foundry Parking Garage, nearby public lots along 5th Street and designated on-street spaces. The City of Loveland’s downtown parking map is available to guide motorists to free parking spaces throughout construction. Pedestrian access to all 4th Street businesses will remain open throughout the duration of the project.

What are the detour routes for construction?

During the closure of 4th Street between N. Washington Avenue and N. Lincoln Avenue for the construction of Block 1 and Block 2, motorists are encouraged to use 5th Street and 6th Street as alternative routes to bypass the construction zone. Throughout the duration of construction, pedestrian access will be maintained but rerouted around the active construction areas based on the current phase of work.

Before construction begins, what changes will occur to the current streetscape?

Last week, the final art sculptures along Washington Avenue to Lincoln Avenue were removed from the sidewalks and are being stored safely until they can be returned. As construction begins on all five blocks, sculptures will be removed along 4th Street. Once the project is completed, 21 new art plinths (or pedestals) sculptures will be added along 4th Street’s sidewalks. Additionally, 16 trees will be removed from Washington Avenue to Garfield Avenue over the course of the project to accommodate the widening of the roads and patios. There will be 54 new trees planted as part of the Heart Improvement Plan landscaping scope.

What is the construction schedule for each block?

In partnership with the DDA and local business owners, the construction schedule was designed to minimize disruption to local businesses by dividing the project into five blocks. Construction will begin with Block 1 and Block 2 followed by construction on Block 5, Block 3, and Block 4. Throughout the project, construction on different blocks will overlap, with work starting on some blocks while others are still in progress.

How is construction being phased for each block?

High-level construction phasing for the project was a collaborative initiative between the City of Loveland and the DDA. Work will be completed in two phases – Phase 1A and Phase 1B – which will be repeated for each of the five blocks. Each phase, including Phase 1A and Phase 1B, is expected to last between six and eight months total.

• Phase 1A: During construction on a block, the roadway will be temporarily closed to motorists; however, sidewalks and street crossings in both the north-south and east-west directions will remain open. During Phase 1A, essential upgrades to the water and stormwater infrastructure will be completed, along with replacing concrete pavement and converting diagonal parking to parallel parking.
• Phase 1B: During construction on a block, the roadway will remain temporarily closed to motorists; however, pedestrian traffic will be routed through the parallel parking zones. Access to every business doorway will be maintained throughout this phase. During Phase 1B, construction of the amenities zone will be completed, which includes sidewalk improvements, streetscape enhancements, lighting upgrades and landscaping. The project team will work with each business to coordinate customized phases when work takes place near their entrances.

How will this project support downtown businesses during construction?

The Loveland Downtown Development Authority are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to downtown businesses during construction. To help business owners effectively communicate with customers about key details such as construction schedules, road closures, parking options, and project outcomes, a Downtown Loveland Business Owner’s Toolkit has been developed. This toolkit includes customizable Canva templates for social media, print signage, parking maps, and FAQs, along with communication tips to help businesses share important updates with customers throughout the construction process. Downtown Business Owners are encouraged to visit downtownloveland.org/heart-improvement-plan to access this toolkit.

Where can I learn more about the project?

Additional project details including construction phasing maps, images and other project updates, can be found at lovgov.org/HIPStreets. To stay informed throughout construction, stakeholders can sign up for the Heart Improvement Plan project newsletter at go.lovgov.org/SubscribetoHIP. For questions about this project or to contact the project team, call Public Works at 970-962-2524 or email HIPStreets@CityofLoveland.org.

About

In 2009, the City of Loveland Public Works Department developed the conceptual plan for the Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets), which explored opportunities to enhance the streets within the historic core of Downtown Loveland. In 2017, after gathering public input, the plan was modernized to include a thoughtful and cost-effective approach to revitalizing 19 core blocks of Downtown Loveland.

The first phase of the Heart Improvement Plan – the 4th Street Revitalization – addresses the five blocks along 4th Street that extend from N. Garfield Avenue to N. Washington Avenue. The current effort is focused on improving 4th Street through streetscape enhancements, while the City of Loveland Water and Power Department works on upgrades to the utility infrastructure beneath the road. As this project is a significant effort, the City of Loveland and the Loveland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have come together to finally bring this portion of the Heart Improvement Plan to fruition.

Project Funding

The Loveland City Council, with a unanimous vote, approved the Certificates of Participation (COPs) financing method providing funding for the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. The project will be funded using a combination of Utility Enterprise Funds and COPs. Utility Enterprise Funds (Stormwater, Water, and Power) will provide $12 million of the project cost, with the remaining $12.5 million funded by COPs. The total estimated program cost for the project is $24.5 million. No General Funds will be utilized or allocated to construct this project. An infographic for the cost of the project can be viewed here.