Real estate can be a force for good. The places where we spend our time should enrich our lives by giving us a sense of community and a place to make memories with our families and friends.

That’s exactly why real estate developer, Brinkman, exchanged the ordinary development for one that is uniquely Fort Collins: The Exchange.

The much-anticipated redevelopment of the 200 North College block of Old Town Fort Collins brings the new concept of upcycling shipping containers into store fronts and extends the downtown corridor a block farther north, swapping an underutilized space with something truly uncommon in the Choice City.

“Our company mission is to use business as a force for good,” said Kevin Brinkman, Co-Founder and CEO of Brinkman. “For us as a real estate company, how we can use business as a force for good, is to do community-driven projects like this.”

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

Deemed “adaptive reuse development,” projects like The Exchange are another industry trend popping up around the country. From offices to apartments, developers are choosing to leverage existing buildings instead of tearing down and building up.

Adaptive reuse is a more sustainable way to redevelop sites through the reduction of urban sprawl and environmental impact caused by the traditional built environment.

Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar construction, shipping containers reduce waste, cut down on construction time, and reduce labor and material costs.

As a recently certified B Corporation, the many pros of adaptive reuse are top of mind for Brinkman. Their goal is to continue exploring options for similar projects along the Front Range.

THE HIGHLIGHT REEL

A Little Something For Everyone

Fried chicken served out of a waffle cone and ice cream served out of a 30-foot-tall churn bucket are just a taste of what you can expect when you walk into The Exchange’s central plaza.

Within the 53,000-square-foot development, visitors will find a truly unique experience. They will find fitness studios, offices, and a florist, as well as an eclectic mix of food options including artisan donuts, pizza, burgers, tacos, and ice cream. The watering holes are equally diverse including a wine bar, brewery, and distillery.

In addition to the new businesses coming to The Exchange, visitors will also enjoy a free book library, self-service bike repair station, fire pits, and public artwork embedded throughout the outdoor areas.

Creative Outdoor Community Spaces

Perfectly fitting within the vibrancy and character of Fort Collins, The Exchange is seen as a catalyst for the area, and marks the beginning of innovating formerly underutilized land through vibrant and creative adaptive reuse efforts.

Sized anywhere from 8’x20’ to 16’x40,’ the shipping containers are stacked and surround the central plaza, which includes several patios, picnic tables, and grassy areas for an equally trendy and family-friendly feel.

A Home For Entrepreneurs

The Exchange is a hub for entrepreneurs seeking a creative and affordable professional space. The goal is to provide incubator-like office options for new businesses in the start-up stages or those seeking smaller and more flexible space. The development fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of Fort Collins through the creation of a community-centric business platform.