Loveland Celebrates Downtown Revitalization Milestone with Festival of Lights
Loveland will mark the completion of a major downtown improvement project November 21 when the city hosts its annual Festival of Lights celebration on newly reconstructed blocks of 4th Street.
The event will showcase the first phase of the Heart Improvement Plan's 4th Street Revitalization Project, with Blocks 1 and 2 between Washington and Railroad Avenues fully functional to motorists and pedestrians following nine months of construction. The festival runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on 4th Street and Foundry Plaza.
"We're deeply grateful for the patience and support shown by our downtown businesses and community throughout construction," said City Engineer Nicole Hahn. "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."
The completed blocks feature upgraded water, stormwater, power, telecommunications and gas systems beneath the street, along with leveled sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings and streetscape improvements designed to support community events and local businesses.
Construction began February 24 on Blocks 1 and 2, following a planning process that originated in 2009 when the City of Loveland Public Works Department first developed the conceptual Heart Improvement Plan. The 2009 plan identified opportunities to enhance streets within the historic downtown core, but funding constraints and evolving infrastructure needs delayed implementation until 2017, when the city modernized the plan following extensive public input.
Multi-Million Dollar Investment Financed Through Utility Funds and COPs
The five-block 4th Street project carries a total estimated cost of $24.5 million, funded through a combination of Utility Enterprise Funds and Certificates of Participation financing. Utility funds from stormwater, water and power enterprises provide $12 million, with the remaining $12.5 million financed through COPs approved by Loveland City Council in November 2024.
The financing structure avoids impact to the city's General Fund. COPs function as lease-payment financing instruments rather than traditional bonds, with repayment structured through Downtown Development Authority revenues rather than direct property tax increases.
"Strong downtowns drive strong economies," said 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."
Construction Continues on Additional Blocks
While Blocks 1 and 2 reach completion, work continues on Block 5 between Railroad and Garfield Avenues, where construction began May 12. Major utility upgrades are complete, with crews now installing curbs, gutters and concrete paving along with art pedestals and boulder seat walls. Block 5 is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
Block 3 construction between Lincoln and Cleveland Avenues will begin December 1, with full closure of that section while maintaining business access. Block 4 construction will follow in late March 2026.
The city estimates each block requires six to eight months for completion, though material delays or weather may extend timelines.
Landscaping and Art Installation Delayed Until Spring
Landscaping, irrigation and catenary lighting installation for Blocks 1 and 2 will wait until spring 2026 due to weather conditions unsuitable for planting and outdoor work. The city will install public artworks along 4th Street through its Art in Public Places program once the project reaches full completion.
The Art in Public Places program, established through city ordinance, governs artwork selection through open calls managed by the Visual Arts Commission, with community input informing final selections.
The Heart Improvement Plan encompasses 19 core blocks in downtown Loveland, though the city has not secured funding for phases beyond the current five-block 4th Street section. Future phases will require additional financing through mechanisms similar to the COPs structure or alternative public-private partnerships.
Festival of Lights attendees can park at lots on 5th Street and Railroad Avenue or the Foundry Parking Garage, with additional on-street parking available throughout downtown. Event details are available at downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights.
For project updates and construction information, residents can visit lovgov.org/HIPStreets or sign up for the Heart Improvement Plan newsletter at go.lovgov.org/SubscribetoHIP. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 970-962-2524 or [email protected].