Fort Collins discusses proposed parking garage in Civic Center Master Plan

The Fort Collins City Council held a work session on May 13, 2025, focusing on several key topics, including updates on the Civic Center Master Plan and discussions surrounding a proposed new parking garage.

The meeting began with a review of the city's progress toward its goals, particularly regarding the large methane user fee and the need for clarity in language around crisis versus emergency situations. City officials emphasized the importance of keeping the council informed about ongoing projects and upcoming memos, including details on building and energy code updates.

The primary focus of the meeting was the Civic Center Master Plan, which aims to enhance the downtown area and improve civic accessibility. Assistant City Manager Denzel Maxwell and Policy and Project Manager Sylvia Tatman Burris presented an overview of the plan, which includes a proposal for a new parking garage to address current and future parking needs. The proposed garage would be located just north of Maple Street and is intended to accommodate both fleet vehicles and public parking, with a potential partnership for housing development nearby.

Council members raised concerns about the necessity of the parking garage, especially in light of an ongoing downtown parking optimization study. Questions were posed regarding the current waitlist for parking spaces and the implications of displacing existing employee parking. Some council members expressed skepticism about moving forward with the garage before the completion of the parking study, suggesting that it might be premature to commit to such a significant investment without comprehensive data.

The estimated cost for the parking garage is around $25 million, prompting discussions about funding sources and the potential impact on the city’s budget, particularly in relation to other priorities like affordable housing. Council members emphasized the need for further analysis and a clearer understanding of the parking needs before making a decision.

The session concluded with a consensus on the importance of exploring the proposed parking garage while also considering the broader context of downtown development and community needs. City officials committed to providing additional information and engaging in further discussions as the Civic Center Master Plan evolves.