Loveland Today
Loveland isn't your 1968 Loveland anymore!
If you haven't been in Loveland for a while, you'd probably be surprised at the changes. Loveland's population has grown to about 60,000. Following are some of the highlights of the changes over the past 40 years. We will continually develop this area of the website over time, so that when you arrive in Loveland for the Class of '68 40th reunion, you'll be informed about our progressive town!
- There are now 3 high schools in Loveland: LHS, Thompson Valley (located in the neighborhoods west of the old HP site), and Mountain View (located on east Highway 34 and County Road 9 - which is on the east side of Boyd Lake).
- Loveland is a premiere shopping location for Northern Colorado
and Southern Wyoming. There are 4 main shopping areas:
- Downtown Loveland: Downtown has finally taken off! The Rialto Theater has been renovated and features local and national entertainment and cultural programs. Fourth Street features many nice restaurants and original art galleries. Many of the old buildings are being renovated with the old facades disappearing and being restored to their original state. The community has mounted an effort to 'save' the old feed and grain building at 3rd and Railroad, though other than purchasing the property from the past agricultural owners, no actual work has begun. Aims Community College offers a local alternative to post high school and continuing education. The 2nd Friday night of each month features a well-attended "Night on the Town" event with restaurants and galleries remaining open late.
- Centerra Market Place: This area, in east Loveland has features many of the typical 'big box' stores like Target, Pier 1, Petsmart, Sportsman's Warehouse, Old Navy, JoAnn's and others, along with many of the chain restaurants like Chilis, Old Chicago, Johnny Carinos, Black Eyed Pea, etc.
- Outlets of Loveland: Also located east of Loveland (but still west of I-25) this is a group of typical outlet stores.
- Promenade Shops: This 'lifestyle' shopping area is located off Highway 34 east of I-25 and features stores like Macys, Eddie Bauer, Chicos, Barnes & Noble, Dicks Sports, etc. along with a Cinema and restaurants like PF Changs, On the Border, Red Robin, Rockbottom Brewery and many others.
- Loveland hosts several interesting events throughout the year including the Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon in June, and the large outdoor Sculpture Shows, county fair and Corn Roast festival in August,
- The Hewlett-Packard site evolved to 5 large buildings over the years. Hewlett Packard is no longer in Loveland and the site between Taft Avenue on the west, Railroad Avenue on the east, Highway 402 (14th St SW) in the south and 1st Street on the north is for sale. An HP spin-off company, Agilent occupies the newest building on the site located at the north side of the 'HP hill'.
- The old bowling alley across from the HP site is now Schmidts Deli and Bakery.
- Lake Loveland is now a private lake, as the recreation rights for were sold to the homeowners surrounding the lake in 1983. Public access includes fishing from the south and west shores. Public swimming is available only on the north shore of the lake.
- The county fair is no longer held at the old fairgrounds site. The Budweiser Event Center is the new home of the county fair as well as sporting events, conferences, entertainment and conventions. The old fairgrounds property is currently being turned to a new park and recreation area for Loveland.