Located between Lincoln and Cleveland avenues, Block 3 in downtown Loveland reopened for vehicle traffic and parking on July 24. The block is home to some of the city’s beloved establishments, including the historic Rialto Theater.
This is the fourth of five blocks to be completed as part of the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization Project. Businesses along 4th Street have been looking forward to the street reopening at the peak of the summer season for the community to enjoy the newly designed roadway, patio spaces, paver sidewalks and other new features. The official grand opening and block party will be held in conjunction with the annual Pastels on 5th event on Saturday, Sept. 12.
“Completing the central block of the Heart Improvement Plan is a major milestone for the project. This section of 4th Street is truly the heart of our downtown,” says Sean Hawkins, director of the Loveland Downtown Development Authority. “Each section we complete brings new energy, improved accessibility and a stronger foundation for our businesses while building on the rich history that makes downtown special.”
The historic clock on 4th Street, a longtime feature of this block, is currently undergoing professional restoration funded by the DDA. The clock will be reinstalled near its original location in the coming months. The official downtown Loveland Christmas tree will also return to 4th Street this holiday season, once again standing in front of the Rialto Theater.
“On behalf of all the departments involved in this effort, the city is proud to have played an important role in revitalizing this historic block of 4th Street,” says Will Jones, City of Loveland Public Works director. “From the infrastructure beneath the surface to the enhancements above it, these upgrades are built to serve our community for the next century. Our crews have worked tirelessly to bring these plans to life. Now the fun part begins—everyone can experience and enjoy a vibrant downtown.”
Construction on Block 3 began in December. 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, 2, 3 and 5?
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. A newly selected art feature spanning all five blocks will be installed in the first quarter of 2027. Sculptures will gradually return to 4th Street, with artwork displayed on the new sandstone art pedestals at the corner of each block. This includes nine pieces that will be featured as part of the popular The Art Advocacy Project 3-D rotating sculpture program. The Rialto Theater will also add a new marquee sign directly on 4th Street to feature upcoming shows and concerts and reinstall the bronze sculpture known as Persistence of Vision by Patrick Kennedy, which is widely recognized as part of the theater.
Why will the block party take place during the Pastels on 5th event?
For every block that’s opened, a block party has been paired with an existing downtown Loveland event to activate the block’s true intention by creating a welcoming environment for local businesses and pedestrians. The opening of Blocks 1 and 2 occurred as part of the Festival of Lights, the opening of Block 5 was part of the Bluegrass Festival and this event will provide another incredible experience for Pastels on 5th attendees, with the goal of drawing support for the Alternatives to Violence mission.
What’s happening in Block 4?
Construction continues with working hours from 5 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. As part of the project, underground infrastructure has been completed on Block 4 (Cleveland Avenue to north Railroad Avenue), including water and storm waterlines, electric and fiber. Large sandstone art pedestals have been installed on the corners of the block, and initial roadway paving has begun. The crews will shift to sidewalk removals and replacements in the coming weeks. Due to the density of active doorways and businesses on this block, sidewalk reconstruction will be completed in smaller sections, similar to Block 3. Businesses will remain open during construction.
How will this be completed?
- Crews will provide access to each business doorway during their business hours.
- As crews work in front of each building, a temporary detour walkway (“shoo-fly”) will guide pedestrians safely around the work zone, providing access to storefronts and reconnecting with the sidewalk. Dynamic phasing will allow removals, concrete pours, cures and ultimately paver installations.
- Pedestrians will not fully shift to the roadway (Phase 1B), as with previous blocks that have been completed. However, small ramps or temporary sidewalk conditions will guide pedestrians to each doorway.
When will the final block be complete?
Block 4—from Cleveland Avenue to north Railroad Avenue—is anticipated to be completed by late fall. The intersections around the railroad tracks are anticipated to be completed before the holidays.
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.
