HIP Streets project completes in time for the holidays

Construction on 4th Street in historic Downtown Loveland has wrapped, bringing more than 20 years of planning and collaboration across the finish line.

The City of Loveland and Downtown Development Authority partnered to begin the Heart Improvement Plan, or HIP Streets, in February 2025. Work included updates to critical utility and stormwater infrastructure as well as street, sidewalk and landscaping upgrades for the five main blocks of 4th Street between North Washington and Garfield avenues.

Much of the old system beneath 4th Street, built in the previous century, was aged, undersized or deteriorating. Stormwater connections were constructed from clay pipe in some places, and cast-iron water pipes dated to more than a century old. Renovations involved nearly every City of Loveland department working in close coordination with partners, businesses, contractors and residents to deliver improvements designed to expand capacity and serve Loveland for future generations. Shelley Aschenbrenner with the City of Loveland Public Works Department served as the civil project engineer.

“This project represents what is possible when an entire community works toward a shared vision,” Aschenbrenner said. “In a corridor lined with historic buildings, every design decision had to solve multiple engineering challenges while preserving the character that makes Downtown Loveland special. This project modernizes our infrastructure, improves the experience for everyone who uses the corridor, and helps ensure the heart of our community remains vibrant for the next century.”

Upgrades include:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible curbs, ramps, and widened sidewalks with decorative brick pavers New stormwater drains, gutters, water pipes and underground power with expanded capacity More space for pedestrians and on-street events while maintaining the same number of parking spaces in downtown Loveland Boulder seating and pedestrian-friendly lighting Additional fire hydrants and fire lines New trees and landscaping Contemporary sculptures and other art-related features “4th Street has always been at the heart of our downtown, and these improvements create even more opportunities for people to shop, dine, connect and experience everything our local businesses and community have to offer. We’re excited for what’s ahead for Downtown Loveland,” said Sean Hawkins, executive director of the Loveland Downtown District.

While construction is completed on 4th Street, 10 large-scale sculptures will be placed two per block this spring. Titled Bloom by artist Jen Lewin, each sculpture features clusters of colorful overhead petals that change colors based on user movement and participation. The public art installation is commissioned by the City of Loveland’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. Once the art pieces are installed, the City will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially celebrate the project.

In the meantime, the holidays are the perfect time to see all of the changes while exploring the sights or gathering with friends and family. The City encourages the community to experience the new 4th Street this season. To stay informed about the final art installations and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the HIP Streets project, visit lovgov.org/HIPStreets.

HIP Streets Funding

HIP Streets is a joint effort of the City of Loveland and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The $24.5 million project is funded through a combination of $12 million in City of Loveland Utility Enterprise Funds and $12.5 million from Certificates of Participation paid by the DDA. No General Fund dollars were used for this project.

HIP Streets project completes in time for the holidays

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