Overview 

In 2005, the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) initiated the FasTracks project that included future commuter rail service to Longmont. In 2012, the City created a master plan for the construction of a rail station around 1st Avenue and Main Street. The plan considered short- and long-term market and development potential and included multi-modal transit connections to the site, including alternative bus service options. 

Since the plan was adopted, the City of Longmont and the RTD have worked together to develop plans to locate and construct the transit facilities, including a bus station and parking garage. The plan also includes the development of a high-density mixed-use project (residential units over commercial space) as part of the construction of the parking garage. The facilities are due to be completed in 2027, allowing RTD to initiate “bus rapid transit” (BRT) service to Boulder. RTD is also planning to build facilities in the area to support future rail service. 

 

Elements of the Immediate Project 

• A 5-7 story structure including about 600 parking spaces for transit users and nearby development 

• A bus station at the ground level of the parking structure 

• A new extension of Coffman Street between 1st Avenue and Boston Avenue 

• 225-300 apartment units 

• 20,000-50,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space 

 

Project Funding and Expenditure 

RTD contributed $16.4 Million in funding towards the construction of the transit improvements, and the City has contributed over $9 Million towards purchasing the land. The City is also responsible for any construction costs over the RTD funding, most of which is related to the construction of the public parking garage. Per an agreement with RTD, the City will apply the RTD funds towards the following: 

• A bus station facility at the ground level of the parking garage to accommodate 10 buses  
• 200 commuter-dedicated parking spaces in the garage 
• Coffman Street construction to support multiple transportation options 
• Installation of all required utilities, sized and located to support the transit facility and adjacent development 
• Construction of water quality and, as needed, storm detention facilities 

In addition to the City’s investment, private development investment is expected to be around $100-120 million. 

 

Public/Private Partnership 

The City and the Longmont Urban Renewal Authority (LURA) will partner with a private developer to build the residences and commercial space. The project’s location in an economically struggling part of the City makes it hard to fund. To help make the project financially viable, LURA may provide tax increment financing (TIF) assistance. The City may also help by reducing or waiving certain fees and taxes or creating special districts. Any financial support will depend on the project’s quality, whether assistance is needed, and approval from the City and LURA. 

 

Activity	Begin	Completed
Property acquisitions	January 2023	December 2024
Building remediation & demolition / Site preparation	March 2025	May 2026
Coffman Street & infrastructure design	February 2024	May 2026
Coffman Street & infrastructure construction	May 2025	June 2027
Bus Station / Parking Garage design	March 2024	May 2026
Bus Station / Parking Garage construction	October 2026	December 2027
Commercial/Apartment Construction	Early 2027	2028