Downtown Revitalization

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This project is on hold.

A Special Election was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 for a code amendment to add a permanent parking zone in the central business district. Voters determined that issue 200 passed, having received the highest number of votes for yes. The election was certified official on February 3.

This project is on hold until further notice. 


Project History

The Downtown Revitalization Project refers to a planned development happening within a three-block stretch of property.

The property is located along the train tracks between 4th and 7th Street, just north of Windsor’s Main Street businesses and south of Windsor Lake. Because the space is comprised of a series of empty lots located behind several Main Street businesses, the location is sometimes referred to as the "backlots”.

As experienced by other communities, adding new development—specifically to the downtown area—can serve as a catalyst for revitalization. A new development has the potential to bring more diverse shopping, entertainment, and dining options to our community.

Additional benefits may include:

  • a more consistent, year-round customer base,
  • improved customer spending at existing businesses,
  • the creation of new job opportunities,
  • increased property values, and
  • an opportunity for existing businesses to expand their building density.

Finding new opportunities to make our downtown an attractive year-round destination can also result in greater sales tax income which can offset the cost of future corridor improvements. To this end, the Town of Windsor and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are working with Tribe Development Group to plan and develop this space.

downtown windsor


Who owns the land? 

The property is made up of three parcels, two owned by the DDA and the other, the site between 6th Street and Hwy. 257 where the American Legion is located, is owned by the Town of Windsor.


What is the role of the DDA?

The DDA serves to enhance the atmosphere and economic vitality of Windsor’s downtown corridor. Since the district was established in 2011, property values and sales tax generation have both increased and the corridor has experienced a resurgence of public and private investment. The district’s ongoing efforts and their involvement in key catalyst projects, are aimed at making Windsor’s downtown a thriving community destination.

The district maintains its vision to actively pursue and facilitate opportunities that support current and future downtown business success. Visit the DDA’s to learn more.


Is there a project timeline? When will plans be released?

In July of 2022, the developer (Tribe Development) produced and released renderings to help the community gain a better understanding of what the project could look like. They are posted on Tribe's website.

Several images include:

  • A view from the east looking toward the west across from Windsor Mill;
  • A view from the Keyhole (DDA Thru Lot) looking north;
  • A view on 5th Street looking north toward Boardwalk Park;
  • A view looking northeast with a view of the 500 Block;
  • A view from across the lake looking back toward downtown and the mountains.

These images present the project’s current anticipated design. While additional architectural work will be required to finalize the project, initial renderings give a sense of the project’s style, scale and character.

Once project details are finalized, a formal site plan application will be submitted and the proposed project will undergo a detailed review by Town of Windsor departments and referral agencies. The process includes a review of the Development Agreement by the Town and DDA Boards. Final plan approval takes place during a public meeting.

The Town of Windsor’s meeting and agenda webpages provide the most reliable and accurate meeting information. Final plan approval will take place during a public meeting. Meeting agendas for Town Board and the Planning Commission are posted in accordance with state law. Residents can subscribe online to receive email and text notifications when new meeting agendas are posted. Additional meeting transparency is provided through WindsorTV broadcasts, which are available via online livestream and playback. Windsor Town Board meetings are also broadcast via Apple TV and Roku on the WindsorTV app, and via Comcast channels 8 and 880. The Town of Windsor will update this page with reliable and accurate information as it becomes available.


How long is construction expected to take?

Construction on the downtown development project is anticipated to last between 18 and 24 months.


What will the development include?

The development is expected to deliver approximately 200 residential units, 435 parking spaces, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space.


How will this project impact parking?

The goal of the Downtown Revitalization Project is to attract new investment to downtown Windsor. Having a well-planned and coordinated parking system is vital to the long-term fiscal health of the community. It ensures the continued viability of Windsor’s small-town character. As part of the planning process for the new development, parking will be required to accommodate the site’s new uses. In other words, this development will be required to completely self-park.

In 2020, Town of Windsor began work on the Downtown Parking Study and adopted it in July 2022. The consultant selected to manage the study was tasked with researching, gathering input from the community, and making recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Board with downtown businesses engaged as primary stakeholders. Based on the analysis, early recommendations include shared parking agreements, diagonal parking, property acquisition and new parking structures, all of which are all being considered as downtown parking improvements.


Will the project impact public access and/or the aesthetics of Windsor Lake and downtown? 

Public access to Windsor Lake will not be impacted by the development.

Recent renderings have provided conceptual images of the potential project. Views include a perspective from across the lake and looking toward the park. Development code and corridor plans are in place to protect the aesthetics of an area. Design elements are reviewed and bound by general material guidelines. Existing structures and the lake will be considered.


A Special Election was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 for a code amendment to add a permanent parking zone in the central business district. Voters determined that issue 200 passed, having received the highest number of votes for yes. The election was certified official on February 3.

This project is on hold until further notice. 


Project History

The Downtown Revitalization Project refers to a planned development happening within a three-block stretch of property.

The property is located along the train tracks between 4th and 7th Street, just north of Windsor’s Main Street businesses and south of Windsor Lake. Because the space is comprised of a series of empty lots located behind several Main Street businesses, the location is sometimes referred to as the "backlots”.

As experienced by other communities, adding new development—specifically to the downtown area—can serve as a catalyst for revitalization. A new development has the potential to bring more diverse shopping, entertainment, and dining options to our community.

Additional benefits may include:

  • a more consistent, year-round customer base,
  • improved customer spending at existing businesses,
  • the creation of new job opportunities,
  • increased property values, and
  • an opportunity for existing businesses to expand their building density.

Finding new opportunities to make our downtown an attractive year-round destination can also result in greater sales tax income which can offset the cost of future corridor improvements. To this end, the Town of Windsor and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are working with Tribe Development Group to plan and develop this space.

downtown windsor


Who owns the land? 

The property is made up of three parcels, two owned by the DDA and the other, the site between 6th Street and Hwy. 257 where the American Legion is located, is owned by the Town of Windsor.


What is the role of the DDA?

The DDA serves to enhance the atmosphere and economic vitality of Windsor’s downtown corridor. Since the district was established in 2011, property values and sales tax generation have both increased and the corridor has experienced a resurgence of public and private investment. The district’s ongoing efforts and their involvement in key catalyst projects, are aimed at making Windsor’s downtown a thriving community destination.

The district maintains its vision to actively pursue and facilitate opportunities that support current and future downtown business success. Visit the DDA’s to learn more.


Is there a project timeline? When will plans be released?

In July of 2022, the developer (Tribe Development) produced and released renderings to help the community gain a better understanding of what the project could look like. They are posted on Tribe's website.

Several images include:

  • A view from the east looking toward the west across from Windsor Mill;
  • A view from the Keyhole (DDA Thru Lot) looking north;
  • A view on 5th Street looking north toward Boardwalk Park;
  • A view looking northeast with a view of the 500 Block;
  • A view from across the lake looking back toward downtown and the mountains.

These images present the project’s current anticipated design. While additional architectural work will be required to finalize the project, initial renderings give a sense of the project’s style, scale and character.

Once project details are finalized, a formal site plan application will be submitted and the proposed project will undergo a detailed review by Town of Windsor departments and referral agencies. The process includes a review of the Development Agreement by the Town and DDA Boards. Final plan approval takes place during a public meeting.

The Town of Windsor’s meeting and agenda webpages provide the most reliable and accurate meeting information. Final plan approval will take place during a public meeting. Meeting agendas for Town Board and the Planning Commission are posted in accordance with state law. Residents can subscribe online to receive email and text notifications when new meeting agendas are posted. Additional meeting transparency is provided through WindsorTV broadcasts, which are available via online livestream and playback. Windsor Town Board meetings are also broadcast via Apple TV and Roku on the WindsorTV app, and via Comcast channels 8 and 880. The Town of Windsor will update this page with reliable and accurate information as it becomes available.


How long is construction expected to take?

Construction on the downtown development project is anticipated to last between 18 and 24 months.


What will the development include?

The development is expected to deliver approximately 200 residential units, 435 parking spaces, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space.


How will this project impact parking?

The goal of the Downtown Revitalization Project is to attract new investment to downtown Windsor. Having a well-planned and coordinated parking system is vital to the long-term fiscal health of the community. It ensures the continued viability of Windsor’s small-town character. As part of the planning process for the new development, parking will be required to accommodate the site’s new uses. In other words, this development will be required to completely self-park.

In 2020, Town of Windsor began work on the Downtown Parking Study and adopted it in July 2022. The consultant selected to manage the study was tasked with researching, gathering input from the community, and making recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Board with downtown businesses engaged as primary stakeholders. Based on the analysis, early recommendations include shared parking agreements, diagonal parking, property acquisition and new parking structures, all of which are all being considered as downtown parking improvements.


Will the project impact public access and/or the aesthetics of Windsor Lake and downtown? 

Public access to Windsor Lake will not be impacted by the development.

Recent renderings have provided conceptual images of the potential project. Views include a perspective from across the lake and looking toward the park. Development code and corridor plans are in place to protect the aesthetics of an area. Design elements are reviewed and bound by general material guidelines. Existing structures and the lake will be considered.


This project is on hold.

Windsor residents are highly educated and always interested in having information but It’s hard to talk about project specifics when the project doesn't have schematics or a timeline. Our goal is to provide transparency regarding efforts to revitalize downtown. Do you have a question about the project or the process? If so, put your question below and we'll do our best to answer it.

  • Share Exactly where does the DDA get its money? Who would own the land if its developed? It concerns me that the lake would be closed for 1 1/2-2 years and that an environmental impact study wouldn't be absolutely mandatory with all the birds and fish that are one of it's main attractions! It should be done well before the development is even considered!! on Facebook Share Exactly where does the DDA get its money? Who would own the land if its developed? It concerns me that the lake would be closed for 1 1/2-2 years and that an environmental impact study wouldn't be absolutely mandatory with all the birds and fish that are one of it's main attractions! It should be done well before the development is even considered!! on Twitter Share Exactly where does the DDA get its money? Who would own the land if its developed? It concerns me that the lake would be closed for 1 1/2-2 years and that an environmental impact study wouldn't be absolutely mandatory with all the birds and fish that are one of it's main attractions! It should be done well before the development is even considered!! on Linkedin Email Exactly where does the DDA get its money? Who would own the land if its developed? It concerns me that the lake would be closed for 1 1/2-2 years and that an environmental impact study wouldn't be absolutely mandatory with all the birds and fish that are one of it's main attractions! It should be done well before the development is even considered!! link

    Exactly where does the DDA get its money? Who would own the land if its developed? It concerns me that the lake would be closed for 1 1/2-2 years and that an environmental impact study wouldn't be absolutely mandatory with all the birds and fish that are one of it's main attractions! It should be done well before the development is even considered!!

    Holly asked about 2 years ago

    Good afternoon Holly. Here are some answers to your questions. We hope this helps. 

    • The DDA is funded through Four main categories, specific to the downtown area (DDA boundaries): Property Tax Increment specific to properties within the DDA boundary, Mill Levy, Sales Tax Increment, and grants pursued by the DDA that are reinvested in the downtown.
    • According to the DDA, the land would be owned by the private developer / entity. 
    • Windsor Lake and Boardwalk Park are not anticipated to be closed as part of this project. Access from 5th Street may be limited due to construction activity, but the Lake and Park are accessible in multiple locations on all sides via public roads, parking lots and the Town’s incredible trail network.
    • Studies required for developments are the purview of the Town as part of their development review process. To-date, there have been a few studies completed, including environmental studies. These were done as part of the Town and DDA’s clean-up efforts when these properties were purchased by the DDA over the past 10 years to evaluate the development potential. Additional studies are ongoing as part of the prospective developer’s due diligence process in working with the Town and the DDA.  
  • Share I’m concerned about the possibility of the parking structure at Elm and 3rd in a residential area. Why aren’t you looking at building a parking structure in one of the back lots so business parking stays with businesses and not in residential areas? This feels like we are being shoved into a Loveland or Ft Collins and that’s not what Windsor is. Even though our town planner was in Loveland previously and says the way they did it there worked great, he and others seem to be forgetting thousands of people moved to Windsor to get away from Loveland and Ft Collins. There was a question at the parking meeting and the company that did the study did not hear or understand the question being asked - the question was about parking for people wanting to use lake area in the summer. They said the study was done in august and September. They never provided study information during the peak months of JUNE and JULY. In august and September it winds down as people are getting back to school. Basically they still could not respond to how they will handle volumes of hundreds and hundreds of cars during peak summer months besides pushing them into the residential area. I’m sure your plans for the apartments in the back lots is going to move forward so why not split it and only do half the apartments and use the other half for a parking structure back there. Stop the unsafe practice before it starts of people running across Main Street and walnut street to get to the lake. on Facebook Share I’m concerned about the possibility of the parking structure at Elm and 3rd in a residential area. Why aren’t you looking at building a parking structure in one of the back lots so business parking stays with businesses and not in residential areas? This feels like we are being shoved into a Loveland or Ft Collins and that’s not what Windsor is. Even though our town planner was in Loveland previously and says the way they did it there worked great, he and others seem to be forgetting thousands of people moved to Windsor to get away from Loveland and Ft Collins. There was a question at the parking meeting and the company that did the study did not hear or understand the question being asked - the question was about parking for people wanting to use lake area in the summer. They said the study was done in august and September. They never provided study information during the peak months of JUNE and JULY. In august and September it winds down as people are getting back to school. Basically they still could not respond to how they will handle volumes of hundreds and hundreds of cars during peak summer months besides pushing them into the residential area. I’m sure your plans for the apartments in the back lots is going to move forward so why not split it and only do half the apartments and use the other half for a parking structure back there. Stop the unsafe practice before it starts of people running across Main Street and walnut street to get to the lake. on Twitter Share I’m concerned about the possibility of the parking structure at Elm and 3rd in a residential area. Why aren’t you looking at building a parking structure in one of the back lots so business parking stays with businesses and not in residential areas? This feels like we are being shoved into a Loveland or Ft Collins and that’s not what Windsor is. Even though our town planner was in Loveland previously and says the way they did it there worked great, he and others seem to be forgetting thousands of people moved to Windsor to get away from Loveland and Ft Collins. There was a question at the parking meeting and the company that did the study did not hear or understand the question being asked - the question was about parking for people wanting to use lake area in the summer. They said the study was done in august and September. They never provided study information during the peak months of JUNE and JULY. In august and September it winds down as people are getting back to school. Basically they still could not respond to how they will handle volumes of hundreds and hundreds of cars during peak summer months besides pushing them into the residential area. I’m sure your plans for the apartments in the back lots is going to move forward so why not split it and only do half the apartments and use the other half for a parking structure back there. Stop the unsafe practice before it starts of people running across Main Street and walnut street to get to the lake. on Linkedin Email I’m concerned about the possibility of the parking structure at Elm and 3rd in a residential area. Why aren’t you looking at building a parking structure in one of the back lots so business parking stays with businesses and not in residential areas? This feels like we are being shoved into a Loveland or Ft Collins and that’s not what Windsor is. Even though our town planner was in Loveland previously and says the way they did it there worked great, he and others seem to be forgetting thousands of people moved to Windsor to get away from Loveland and Ft Collins. There was a question at the parking meeting and the company that did the study did not hear or understand the question being asked - the question was about parking for people wanting to use lake area in the summer. They said the study was done in august and September. They never provided study information during the peak months of JUNE and JULY. In august and September it winds down as people are getting back to school. Basically they still could not respond to how they will handle volumes of hundreds and hundreds of cars during peak summer months besides pushing them into the residential area. I’m sure your plans for the apartments in the back lots is going to move forward so why not split it and only do half the apartments and use the other half for a parking structure back there. Stop the unsafe practice before it starts of people running across Main Street and walnut street to get to the lake. link

    I’m concerned about the possibility of the parking structure at Elm and 3rd in a residential area. Why aren’t you looking at building a parking structure in one of the back lots so business parking stays with businesses and not in residential areas? This feels like we are being shoved into a Loveland or Ft Collins and that’s not what Windsor is. Even though our town planner was in Loveland previously and says the way they did it there worked great, he and others seem to be forgetting thousands of people moved to Windsor to get away from Loveland and Ft Collins. There was a question at the parking meeting and the company that did the study did not hear or understand the question being asked - the question was about parking for people wanting to use lake area in the summer. They said the study was done in august and September. They never provided study information during the peak months of JUNE and JULY. In august and September it winds down as people are getting back to school. Basically they still could not respond to how they will handle volumes of hundreds and hundreds of cars during peak summer months besides pushing them into the residential area. I’m sure your plans for the apartments in the back lots is going to move forward so why not split it and only do half the apartments and use the other half for a parking structure back there. Stop the unsafe practice before it starts of people running across Main Street and walnut street to get to the lake.

    Randy vetter asked over 2 years ago

    Sorry for the delay in our answer. The Town of Windsor had planned efforts to improve and increase parking this year, particularly to the north of the railroad. Regarding two of the lots, those are DDA property. The third lot is town property but it's also the site of the Legion. 

  • Share Where can we find the environmental impact study results for the “backlot” development? Or when will that be done? on Facebook Share Where can we find the environmental impact study results for the “backlot” development? Or when will that be done? on Twitter Share Where can we find the environmental impact study results for the “backlot” development? Or when will that be done? on Linkedin Email Where can we find the environmental impact study results for the “backlot” development? Or when will that be done? link

    Where can we find the environmental impact study results for the “backlot” development? Or when will that be done?

    Peggy asked over 2 years ago

    Because the site plan hasn't been submitted for review yet, we don't know if it will be necessary or when it would be done when needed. 

  • Share Is there any level of what’s being considered? Even just a general idea to date of what’s being kicked around? There’s a small vocal group that are starting a petition to stop something that they nothing of. on Facebook Share Is there any level of what’s being considered? Even just a general idea to date of what’s being kicked around? There’s a small vocal group that are starting a petition to stop something that they nothing of. on Twitter Share Is there any level of what’s being considered? Even just a general idea to date of what’s being kicked around? There’s a small vocal group that are starting a petition to stop something that they nothing of. on Linkedin Email Is there any level of what’s being considered? Even just a general idea to date of what’s being kicked around? There’s a small vocal group that are starting a petition to stop something that they nothing of. link

    Is there any level of what’s being considered? Even just a general idea to date of what’s being kicked around? There’s a small vocal group that are starting a petition to stop something that they nothing of.

    A.Curro asked over 2 years ago

    Sorry that we didn't see this sooner! There are renderings on this webpage and a petition was circulated. The petition is going to voters and a question will be included in a special election held on Jan. 24, 2023.

  • Share The scale of the proposal seems too large and out of place with existing structure. Is there a scaled down version? on Facebook Share The scale of the proposal seems too large and out of place with existing structure. Is there a scaled down version? on Twitter Share The scale of the proposal seems too large and out of place with existing structure. Is there a scaled down version? on Linkedin Email The scale of the proposal seems too large and out of place with existing structure. Is there a scaled down version? link

    The scale of the proposal seems too large and out of place with existing structure. Is there a scaled down version?

    Jean Zuckweiler asked about 2 years ago

    Hello Jean and thanks for asking. The renderings have not gone through the development review process and we won't know how or if the renderings will changed based on that process.