From Google Earth views along E Mulberry St, it’s clear how much this corner of Old Town Fort Collins has changed over the past decade. The building at 460 S College Ave once housed a Safeway, then briefly 24 Hour Fitness, before Target moved in with a full renovation and opened in October 2021. Today, the store carries a 3.3-star rating on Google Maps from 84 reviews, reflecting both the convenience it offers and the frustrations shoppers have shared.
From Safeway to Vacancy
June 2012 – Safeway anchored the property with its classic green awnings and full-service grocery format. The underground covered parking was already in place, a feature that continues to serve the site today.
24 Hour Fitness Moves In
By June 2019, the space was home to 24 Hour Fitness. The brand updated the signage and occupied the large anchor space, but the gym closed within just a few years, leaving the property in transition again.
Target Construction and Opening
By 2021, construction crews were reworking the façade to fit Target’s design. The project officially wrapped up in October 2021, when the store opened as the city’s third Target location and the only one in the Old Town area.
How It’s Doing Now
Today, the property is fully branded as Target, complete with modern red signage and the original covered parking still in use. Google Maps shows the store at 3.3 stars from 84 reviews, with shoppers praising the convenience but noting recurring issues with checkout congestion and inconsistent service.
MapQuest reviews echo the split:
- “Target is a nice, upper-scale ‘everything store’… limit the driving around to look for things.” — Chris S.
- “I find all my top needs and wants here… grateful to have this spot just around.” — Brianna R., Nov 2023
Yelp ratings remain around 3–3.5 stars, while Reddit users debated whether Target’s arrival hurt Old Town’s independent character or simply added needed variety.
Conclusion
The Target at 460 S College Ave has replaced two failed anchors and cemented itself as a downtown retail fixture. Reviews suggest it’s not without flaws, but its central location and accessibility ensure it remains a busy stop for Fort Collins shoppers.
Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by F.E.M