Blocks 1 and 2 of the Heart Improvement Plan will be completed in time to host the Festival of Lights celebration on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. 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,” says City Engineer Nicole Hahn.
“Strong downtowns drive strong economies,” says 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 Feb. 24 of this year, the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization Project officially broke ground on Blocks 1 and 2. Construction on Block 5, between Railroad and Garfield avenues, began on 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 from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 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 above. For event details, visit downtownloveland.org/festivaloflights.
What’s happening in Block 5, and when will it be completed?
Construction continues with working hours from 7 a.m.-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 six to eight 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, 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.
