FOR RELEASE: Festival of Lights to mark completion of 4th Street Revitalization Blocks 1 and 2
LOVELAND, Colo. – Nov. 10, 2025 – Blocks 1 and 2 of the Heart Improvement Plan will be completed in time to host this year's Festival of Lights celebration on Friday, Nov. 21. The public is invited to see the 4th Street Revitalization project’s first milestone with a newly designed roadway and sidewalks. After the event, the finished blocks will be fully functional to motorists and pedestrians.
“We’re deeply grateful for the patience and support shown by our downtown businesses and community throughout construction. This project has been decades in the making and completing these essential underground infrastructure improvements and long-envisioned streetscape improvements marks a major milestone for downtown Loveland. We’re excited to celebrate this progress together and welcome everyone back to experience the new space,” said City Engineer Nicole Hahn.
“Strong downtowns drive strong economies,” said Loveland Downtown Development Director Sean Hawkins. “This project ensures Loveland’s core continues to grow and prosper. By improving infrastructure and activating event spaces, we’re creating new opportunities for local businesses to thrive.”
On Monday, Feb. 24, the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization Project officially broke ground on Blocks 1 and 2. Construction on Block 5, between Railroad Avenue and Garfield Avenue, began on Monday, May 12. Crews completed major underground utility upgrades, improving water, stormwater, power, telecommunications, and gas systems. Above ground, streetscape improvements leveled sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and prioritized walkability to better support community events and local businesses on the initial blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the remaining improvements for Blocks 1 and 2?
While Blocks 1 and 2 have completed the critical updates to utility and streetscape infrastructure, the installation of landscaping, irrigation and catenary lighting will begin in spring 2026 during warmer weather conditions. As part of Art in Public Places, the City of Loveland will install a selection of artworks along 4th Street once the project is completed.
What do I need to know about the Festival of Lights?
The Festival of Lights will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, from 5–8 p.m. on 4th Street between Washington and Railroad Avenues, as well as the Foundry Plaza. Parking is available at 5th Street and Railroad Avenue lots and the Foundry Parking Garage. On-street parking is also available throughout downtown. A map of the festival area and parking locations is provided below. For event details, visit downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights.
Parking map for the Festival of Lights hosted on Friday, Nov. 21.What’s happening in Block 5 and when will it be completed?
Construction continues with working hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For this section, major utility upgrades have been completed for water, wastewater, electrical trenching and conduit installations. Grading for the new curb, gutter and concrete paving have begun and art pedestals and boulder seat walls will be installed. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
When will Block 3 and 4 begin?
Lincoln to Cleveland Avenues (Block 3) will start construction on Monday, Dec. 1. Construction will include a full closure from Lincoln to Cleveland Avenues. While work commences, business access along this block will always be maintained. Construction will first address water infrastructure improvements then proceed with the remaining utility upgrades and streetscape enhancements. Block 4 construction will follow shortly after Block 5 by starting in late March 2026.
What’s the timeline for completing each block?
For both Phase 1A and Phase 1B, each block is estimated to be completed within 6-to-8 months. Extended time may occur due to delays in materials or weather. Phase 1A is identified as utility infrastructure improvements. Once completed, the project enters the second phase, Phase 1B, which focuses on street enhancements.
How to stay in the loop
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 or to contact the project team, call the Public Works Department 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 Utilities Department works on upgrades to the 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 Fund dollars will be utilized or allocated to construct this project.
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CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, City of Loveland, Communication & Engagement Specialist
970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org
Abby Powell, Downtown Development Authority, Assistant Director
970-541-0605, apowell@lovelandpartnership.org
