Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets)

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for this week (8/18/25-8/22/25):

• Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully closed to motorists.
• Concrete work, conduit installation, and irrigation lines.
• Crews are completing utilities, curb returns, and temporary sidewalks on the west side of Lincoln Avenue.
• One east to west and one north to south crosswalk has been maintained at the intersection.
• Storm sewer installation on boulder seat walls/art pedestals on Block 5.

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(External link)(External link)(External link)(External link)(External link) or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Found on Fourth: History Unearthed in the Heart of Downtown Loveland

Digging into Downtown Loveland’s history…literally

Loveland, Colo. — Aug. 14, 2025 — Construction crews working on the Heart Improvement Plan in Downtown Loveland are uncovering more than just old infrastructure—they’re unearthing pieces of the city’s past.

As 4th Street undergoes revitalization, we expected that crews would discover a few unexpected artifacts buried beneath the surface. So far, the findings have amounted to old bottles, cans, wooden water pipes, and other historic bricks that offer a glimpse into Loveland’s early days.

One particularly notable find: a large concrete column discovered directly beneath the center of the intersection of 4th Street and Lincoln Avenue. When City staff started going through historic photos to see what it could be, they discovered that it once served as the foundation for a flagpole in the center of the street. This flagpole was erected in 1918 to celebrate Loveland's participation and success in a Liberty Loan campaign during World War I. Later photos show that the flagpole was removed and the same base served as one of Loveland’s first traffic lights with one central light in the intersection.

This piece of Loveland’s civic history has been carefully removed and placed on public display on 4th Street near Thompson Park, commonly known as Pocket Park. Curious community members are encouraged to stop by and see the artifact for themselves. The concrete base will be transported to a Loveland Recycle Center (400 N Wilson Ave, Loveland, CO 80537) facility the week of August 25.

These discoveries are fueling a new exhibit in the works at the Loveland Museum, titled “Found on Fourth,” which will showcase the artifacts and tell the story of the history beneath our feet. The Heart Improvement Plan team, in collaboration with the museum, is currently gathering artifacts and historical materials to bring this exhibit to life in fall of 2026.

As part of the effort, the team is seeking historic photos of 4th Street and downtown Loveland. Community members who have vintage images or relevant materials are encouraged to share them by contacting lwaneka@lovelandpartnership.org.

“We knew this project would reveal old infrastructure, but it’s really fun to also uncover small meaningful pieces of the city’s past,” said Abby Powell, assistant director, Downtown Loveland District. “It’s a powerful reminder that as we build toward Downtown Loveland’s future, we’re always looking back on the foundations of its history.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the exhibit and the transformation of 4th Street as Loveland continues to build forward—while honoring what lies beneath.

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 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 has the City’s Public Works Department 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 this week (8/4/25-8/8/25):

• Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully closed to motorists.
  • Crews will begin paving Block 1 (Washington to Jefferson Avenues) next week!
  • Crews will continue conduit installation in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln Avenues) next week. Completing the conduit will allow for seat wall installation to resume.
• Crews are completing utilities and curb returns on the west side of Lincoln Avenue. Traffic has been switched to the east/northbound lane to provide room to work.
• Storm sewer installation on Block 5.
• Crews will begin sidewalk removal in preparation for boulder seat wall installation on Block 05.

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(External link)(External link)(External link)(External link) or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for this week (7/28/25-8/1/25):

• Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenues) are fully closed to motorists.
  • Curb and gutter is complete on Block 1 and crews are fine grading the surface in preparation for concrete paving.
  • Concrete work, seat wall installation and conduit installation continue in Block 2.
• Traffic will be switched to the east/northbound lane on Lincoln Avenue at 4^th Street next week as utility work progresses west across the intersection.
• Storm sewer installation in Block 5.

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(External link)(External link)(External link) or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for this week (7/28/25-8/1/25):

• Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully closed to motorists.
  • Crews will continue concrete work (island curbing and curb and gutter) on Blocks 1 and 2.
• The Lincoln Avenue at 4th Street intersection will remain in a one-lane configuration while crews replace utilities across the intersection.
• The waterline going across Lincoln Avenue is complete and crews are installing storm and power conduit across the intersection.

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(External link)(External link) or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (7/21/25-7/25/25):

• Lincoln Avenue/US 287 northbound is now reduced to one, northbound travel lane.
  • This setup will remain in place for up to 12 weeks.
    • We have made a material change at the intersection which should reduce the duration by several weeks.
  • The one-lane of traffic will be shifted east to west and back several times as utilities are crossed through the intersection.
  • Crews are continuing to work on the waterline across Lincoln Avenue. Following completion of waterline, crews will install storm pipes and power/communications conduits across the street.
• Crews are finishing power and communications conduits in Block 1 (Washington to Jefferson Avenues) and will continue conduit installation west in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln Avenues).
• Concrete work starting in Block 1 and 2 last week and will continue this week.
• Storm drain installations in Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) began last week and will continue this 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(External link) or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (7/14/25-7/18/25).

1. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenues) are fully closed to motorists.
   • Crews will start concrete work in Blocks 1 & 2 next week.
   • Crews are installing storm in Block 5. Following storm installation, power and communication conduit installation will start.
2. The Lincoln Avenue at 4^th Street intersection will remain in a one-lane configuration while crews replace utilities across the intersection.
   • Access to 4^th Street will be via Cleveland and 5^th Street.
3. The overnight waterline shutdown was successful. These valves will allow for waterline work to continue east-west across the intersection.

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 support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (7/7/25-7/11/25):

1. The 4^th and Garfield and 4^th and Railroad Avenue intersections are open to traffic!
2. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenues) are fully closed to motorists.
3. Lincoln Avenue at 4^th Street will be reduced to one travel lane starting 7/7/25. Access to 4^th Street will be via Cleveland Avenue and 5^th Street. Please see details in this press release for more information.
4. Tree removal – northwest 4^th Street and Lincoln Avenue.
5. Crews will perform a water line shutdown on 4^th Street between Lincoln and Cleveland Avenues on Friday, July 11. This will include overnight work starting at 2 a.m.
   

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

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

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

Heart Improvement Plan will move to Lincoln Avenue and 4^th Street for waterline tie-ins after the Fourth of July

LOVELAND, Colo. – June 30, 2025 – Weather permitting, the Heart Improvement Plan will begin waterline tie-in work at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and 4th Street following the Fourth of July holiday. To complete the necessary water and stormwater system extensions for Blocks 1 and 2, Lincoln Avenue will be reduced to a single northbound lane for approximately 12 weeks. Crews will shift the single lane as work progresses across the intersection. While access will be maintained along this major corridor, travelers should expect delays.

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, business entrances and sidewalks remain open on 4th Street between Washington Avenue and N. Garfield Avenue.

Below are more specific Frequently Asked Questions that may be helpful.

Why will the work on Lincoln Avenue be under construction for 12 weeks?

To complete the final water and stormwater repairs for Blocks 1 and 2, the project will require connecting utility lines at the intersection. During this phase, one northbound travel lane on Lincoln will remain open to maintain traffic flow. Because the project must coordinate complex utility work while keeping traffic moving, additional time is needed. Utility repairs must happen in a set order—starting with water lines, then moving to gas, communication, and electrical lines—before we can improve the stormwater system. This order is required because of where the pipes are located underground. As these improvements are made, lanes will shift from east to west to accommodate the construction zones. Before construction begins, “No Park” signs will be placed between East 3rd Street and 4^th Street.

Will there be any additional tree removals?

Tree removals for Blocks 1, 2, and 5 have been completed. The project will finish the remaining removals for Blocks 3 and 4 later this year, beginning with one of the largest trees located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and 4th Street.

During the design process, the City of Loveland conducted a thorough evaluation of the existing tree canopy in collaboration with the City’s Forestry Division. The first priority was always to preserve mature trees, when possible, as they provide significant value to public spaces. As part of this evaluation, the City’s Urban Forester assessed the health and condition of trees along all five blocks of 4th Street. Several trees were found to be in decline, and many overmature and increasingly susceptible to disease, pests, and storm damage creating potential public safety risks. A few healthier trees were considered for preservation, but their locations conflicted with planned infrastructure upgrades and would not have allowed for adequate protection during construction.

Recognizing the important role trees play in urban environments, the project includes key enhancements to support long-term tree health: an irrigation system, expanded planter areas, and enriched soils. A total of 54 new trees will be planted along the five-block corridor. This revitalized tree canopy, combined with improved growing conditions, represents a meaningful investment in the future of downtown, creating a vibrant and lasting community asset for generations to come.

For additional questions about the tree removals, the types of trees and flowers being planted, and how they’ll be cared for in the future, visit lovgov.org/HIPStreets.

When will the work at Lincoln Avenue and 4th Street be completed?

We anticipate this work to be completed by September 2025, weather permitting.

What are the recommended detour routes during the Lincoln Avenue and 4th Street work?

Motorists are encouraged to use E. 7th Street, E. 1st Street, Washington and Cleveland Avenues. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays. Commuters may also reference the City of Loveland’s downtown map at lovgov.org/DowntownParking to find free, available parking throughout construction.

What’s next after Lincoln Avenue and 4^th Street’s work?

Utility work on Block 5 will continue with Phase 1A with utility improvements and Blocks 1 and 2 will transition into Phase 1B the first week of July 7 with streetscape enhancements. Streetscape enhancements include curb, gutter, sidewalks, seat walls, planters, and light pole bases.

When will Blocks 1 and 2 be completed?

Each phase, including Phase 1A and Phase 1B, is expected to last between six and eight months with Blocks 1 and 2 scheduled for completion in late fall 2025.

Why is Block 5 overlapping with Blocks 1 and 2?

In partnership with the DDA and local business owners, the construction schedule was designed to minimize disruption to local businesses while maximizing construction efficiencies by dividing the project into five blocks. Construction began 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.

When will the project transition to Blocks 3 and 4?

Blocks 3 and 4 will begin in Fall 2025. During this time, Blocks 1 and 2 should be completed with Phase 1B’s streetscape enhancements.

How to support the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street revitalization project?

As construction progresses along 4th 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 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.

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 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 next week (6/30/25-7/4/25).

1. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully close to motorists.
   1. Electrical conduit installation will continue in Block 1
   2. Stormwater crews will wrap up their work in Block 2 and mobilize to Block 05
2. Railroad Avenue East is fully opened and standard traffic patterns have resumed.
3. Railroad Avenue West has opened for north and southbound traffic.
4. The Garfield & 4^th Street intersection is anticipated to be open by July 3, 2025, weather permitting.
5. In observance of Independence Day, there will be no work on Friday, July 4. Due to the holiday, work may be lighter on Thursday, July 3 as well.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday - Thursday, 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 support as we revitalize 4th Street!