Old Town Fort Collins: The changing consumer and new perception
Fort Collins — When Disney looked at Fort Collins Old Town to mimic the perfect Main Street, they could have never imagined what this area would become. From art, beer, food, and music this is the place to be. That has caused Old Town to change from local-based to tourist-based. Is this good or bad for the place we have grown to love? Everything is still the same as far as local products, but one thing is missing: the local consumer.
College students and tourists have become the new consumer of downtown. Bars are flooded with college students on the weekends making it impossible for a family to enjoy their time. Tourists have absorbed the live music and endless beer. How many locals will want to go to a place that has become too crowded? It’s simple. Not many. Old Town just isn’t what it used to be. Is this why Old Town shops have become expensive? A survey performed by The Coloradoan showed that 43% of locals don’t visit Old Town as much as they used to for plenty of reasons.
As a college student I can see the locals perspective. I wouldn’t want a bunch of kids running around while I’m enjoying a family night. Or I wouldn’t want to see a drunk kid throwing up while I’m trying to enjoy a nice dinner either. However, Old Town is located nearly less than a mile from campus. It is literally a walk away from campus, and incredibly convenient to get to. The students are taking over.
Can the same be said for tourists? Students bring in money and help businesses more than anything. When tourists come into Fort Collins, the prices rise. The tourist isn’t loyal to the community and vice versa, but the price of things also drives away local business.
Is there possibly another reason why locals are avoiding Old Town? Perhaps the parking? From experience I know it can take 20 minutes to find a decent parking. Why would somebody who lives 20 minutes away come downtown just to look for another 20 minutes to park? Plus, we have seen Fort Collins grow and expand where there is now plenty of shops and restaurants elsewhere. Going downtown is not exactly necessary anymore.
The website below is designed for downtown Fort Collins, and it advertises their nightlife and festivals first before anything else, which shows what type of people they are targeting. Residents don’t even feel invited downtown anymore.
Only time will tell if the new consumer is bad for Old Town. What will never change though is the beauty of it. Old Town will always be beautiful, but will also have that feeling of home. Just like Disney’s Main Street the vibrant personality will always make it unique. When stepping into Old Town you get that same feeling as Disney — happiness. Nothing can replicate or replace that feeling. It just has to be experienced.
Locals are facing an unfortunate time. Old Town has become a party scene with high prices. There is no way to escape it. This is the new reality. It’s time to put up with the change or abandon the heart of the city.
Here’s a helpful website that will provide knowledge on Old Town, and a great place to find anything about Fort Collins.
