Project Downtown: Main Street Phase 1

Project Downtown, a long-term initiative to reinvest in Downtown Littleton’s infrastructure and public spaces, is moving forward with Phase 1: Main Street Improvements.

The Main Street Improvements will modernize downtown infrastructure while preserving the area’s historic charm — addressing deferred maintenance, restoring trees and additional green infrastructure, enhancing safety, walkability, accessibility and the overall experience for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

The city is currently soliciting professional design services for the project. Design work is expected to begin this spring, following the selection of a consultant.

The Project Downtown Concept Plan will serve as the foundation for design, providing a shared vision shaped by prior community input.

During the design phase, the city will refine:

• Technical and engineering details
• Phasing and construction approaches
• Cost and schedule considerations
• Strategies to maintain access to downtown businesses and the area throughout construction

This phase is critical for balancing long-term improvements with the day-to-day needs of residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Littleton’s Project Downtown effort was honored to be nominated for a Colorado Downtown Excellence Award at the annual ceremony hosted by Downtown Colorado Inc. April 3.

Project Downtown is the guide for Littleton’s long-term investment decisions to improve mobility, connectivity, parking, pedestrian safety, wayfinding, and streetscape enhancements in Downtown Littleton.

Read more about Project Downtown’s recognition from Downtown Colorado Inc.

A brighter future for Downtown Littleton is taking shape.

In November 2024, city council adopted the Project Downtown Concept Plan, a community-driven vision that reimagines the future of Littleton’s historic core. Built on years of collaboration with residents, businesses and the Littleton Downtown Development Authority, the plan laid the groundwork for reinvestment in downtown infrastructure, mobility, and public spaces.

Following a city council study session in September 2025, the council approved a funding strategy to advance Phase 1 — the Main Street Improvements — into design. This milestone marks the beginning of translating the community’s vision into detailed plans to replace aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and celebrate downtown Littleton’s distinctive character.

The Main Street Improvements will modernize downtown infrastructure while preserving the area’s historic charm — enhancing safety, walkability, accessibility and the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Throughout the preliminary design process, there will be opportunities for the community to share input on design concepts and help shape a districtwide parking and curbside management strategy. These efforts will guide how downtown can best serve everyone who lives, works, and plays in Littleton.

Project timelines are still being developed. Stay tuned for more information in early 2026 on how to get involved as design work progresses and engagement opportunities are announced.

The Project Downtown Concept Plan has the green light from the Littleton City Council, with council voting unanimously to adopt the plan at its November 19 meeting.

The plan is based on the “Village” concept that was presented during the public engagement phase of the project planning process.

City staff will now begin preliminary design for the Main Street improvements and developing options for funding the project, with $2 million appropriated in the 2025 budget for preliminary design work and other related studies such as parking management and economic impact.

The final concept plan for Project Downtown was presented to the public at an open house October 28.

The plan is based on the "Village" concept that was presented during the public engagement phase of the project planning process. This concept was favored by about 45% of survey respondents, the Littleton Downtown Development Authority, and city council.

There are five major projects proposed as part of the concept, listed in order of priority:

• Main Street – amenity zones with trees, gathering spaces, and raised planter beds, specialty paving and bollards for event closures, and gateways on the east and west ends of the street.
• Prince Street – north- and south-bound off-street protected bike lanes and amenity zones with widened sidewalks, raised planter beds, and trees.
• Alamo Avenue – amenity zones similar to those on Main and Prince streets and intersection upgrades for safer crossings.
• Nevada Street – transformed into a "shared" street between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, with vehicular speeds reduced significantly.
• Little’s Creek Trail – gathering spaces, public art, opportunities to interact with the creek, and other landscape features.

The plan also calls for several minor projects to be completed alongside the major priorities, including curb ramp replacements, new sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and re-configured intersections.

These investments will enhance the mobility and streetscapes for a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive downtown that celebrates and enriches the historic character of the neighborhood.

The next step in the project, the Phase I design, is anticipated to continue the development of the Main Street part of the concept, including an economic impact analysis and parking management study.