Union Station Advocates

Union Station Redevelopment Public Meetings

2012-01-11T16:32:00.002-07:00

Union Station Redevelopment Public Meetings!

To see the flyer, please click HERE

Public Realm Town Hall Meetings

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Seeking input from the community on the Public Policy that will be implemented for management of Union Station’s public realm, plaza, etc., public meetings will be coordinated by Union Station Advocates, Joe Vostrejs, and Dana Crawford. Meetings will be at 4:00-5:30PM in the Denver Union Station Great Hall.

Each meeting will be coordinated with Union Station Advocates and previously published recommendations of five comparable projects (presented in May 2009), sponsored by the Advocates and the Downtown Denver Partnership.

Destination Retail Public Input Meetings

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012

Seeking input from the community on the retail components of the Union Station Redevelopment project, public focus groups will be conducted under the direction of Joe Vostrejs and Dana Crawford. Meetings will take place at 4:30PM in the Denver Union Station Great Hall.

Questionnaires, updated information news sheets, and websites will be provided. Please visit the Union Station Alliance website at www.unionstationalliance.com for additional information.

Union Station Surface Lots Close

2012-01-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

As of Tuesday, January 3rd, the two surface parking lots flanking the front of Union Station are closed.

While this may have whipped some into a frenzy of parking hysteria (click here for pessimistic LoDo parking propaganda) there are plenty of alternatives.

While there is the parking meter, there are also 44,000 off-street parking spaces available in Downtown Denver, including these closest-to-Union-Station options:

§ 1615 18th Street (LoDo Garage)
§ 16th & Wazee (Mercantile Lot)
§ 1899 Wynkoop Street (Garage Parking)

Also, many restaurants and hotels offer valet service, and there are taxi stands located at each hotel.

For detailed parking information in LoDo, click here: Parking Options in Downtown Denver

Plus!

There are the eco-friendly options:

Taking the bus is an easy and convenient way to reach LoDo.
Click for detailed RTD bus info

Light rail is another speedy way roll into LoDo.
Click for detailed Light Rail info

B-Cycle will support those healthy New Year’s resolutions!
Find a B-Cycle station near you.

Winter Newsletter

2011-12-20T08:04:00.003-07:00

Our winter newsletter is now available! CLICK HERE!

The content of our newsletter can be found below:

Happy Holidays from Union Station Advocates!

2011 is drawing to a close and the Denver Union Station project is moving full steam ahead! As of December 1st, the light rail platform and facilities are 97% completed, the underground bus box is 49% completed, the commuter rail facilities are 36% completed and the streets and plazas are 52% completed. According to the project team, many of the unknowns have now been resolved, and we are past most of the construction risk. Construction highlights this year have included finalization of the plans for the public spaces, closing the pedestrian tunnel under and behind the station, relocating the Amtrak station to its temporary facilities, extension of the 16th Street Mall, opening of the relocated light rail platform and 16th Street Mall shuttle terminus, opening of Chestnut Street, and the erection of Chestnut Street Pavilion. Next up is the pending decision on the DUS Historic Station Redeveloper. Union Station Advocates is proud to say we continue to advocate on behalf of the public and provide opportunities for citizen input. We are excited to finally start seeing the results of everyone’s hard work after all these years and continue to look forward to Spring of 2014 for the project’s completion. Below is more detail on some of this season’s exciting changes and progress. For up to date information as it occurs, please follow our blog at http://unionstationadvocates.blogspot.com

Historic Station Redevelopment Update

On November 4th, two pre-qualified development teams presented to the public their respective concepts for the redevelopment of the Denver Union Station Historic Station. A video of the public presentation can be viewed at: http://denver.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=68 and the hard copy presentations can be seen at: http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/dus_1. Union Station Advocates and the LoDo District, Inc. then co-hosted a neighborhood meeting on Nov. 9th to discuss the proposals. Subsequently, the Union Station Advocates board members, except for one who abstained and one who chose not to take a position, vocalized their support of the Union Station Alliance plan in a letter to RTD.

Union Station Advocates believes the hotel concept is superior for many of the same reasons that have been widely noted in various articles and editorials. We are pleased to report that on December 13th, the RTD Finance Committee passed a motion to recommend the hotel concept to the entire Board. The Board is expected to take a final vote on the team selection on Dec. 20th.

Denver Union Station Public Realm
A very positive outcome from the extremely competitive nature of the above process, is that RTD was pleasantly surprised by the enormous public outpouring of expressed interest in the historic station and its associated public realm! Because of this strong interest, staff expressed to the Board in their recommendation that it would be imperative to continue a public outreach as plans for the train hall and other first floor uses continue to evolve to be sure the final result satisfies the community. Less spoken of, but an integral part of the negotiations with the selected team, is the management and programming solution for Wynkoop Plaza. In 2009, DUS stakeholders, including Union Station Advocates, convened a "Public Space Symposium" with five high profile public space experts to study and recommend a management structure specifically for Wynkoop Plaza. That recommendation was the creation of an independent, community-based, non-profit entity, similar to the Civic Center Conservancy. This approach would allow for the management of the Plaza to be supported by citizen input and involvement and would expand fund raising and sponsorship opportunities for the Plaza’s benefit. Under this approach, the entity in charge would have only one mission—to ensure the Plaza’s success as a thriving public space. This is the approach we have promoted since the early days of our organization.

Union Station Alliance has publicly stated that they also support the recommendations from the Public Space Symposium, and has committed to working directly with the community to implement them. However, Union Station Neighborhood Company has only stated that they would manage Wynkoop Plaza, noting their experience at Belmar in Lakewood. We would like to take this opportunity to say that Union Station Advocates is opposed to the historic station’s redeveloper having control over Wynkoop Plaza as proposed by USNC. Wynkoop Plaza is to become a prominent public space, owned by a public entity (RTD) and, rightfully, managed by a community-based entity serving as a steward and advocate of the space on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the public. To allow Wynkoop Plaza to function as a de facto extension of the private developer’s domain, or to permit an arrangement that could tempt the private developer to manage the Plaza in a manner that prioritizes their own financial interests over the public’s interests, would be a grave mistake.

Based on what has transpired to date, we are encouraged to believe that Union Station Alliance will be the redevelopment team that RTD selects. If in fact they are, not only does their proposal best ensure the long-term financial viability and activation of the historic station, but we can also look forward to working together on a community-based management and programming solution for Wynkoop Plaza!

Kiewit Offers Construction Update

The Denver Union Station Project continues to make significant progress. To demonstrate the progress, Kiewit has offered an update that discusses the current construction work onsite, as well as what we can expect in the future: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B14OGQyGiITvNWFmNWM3MGEtZGI0ZS00YzE5LWI5ODktNWUxZGY5N2U5Mzc0

Below are some of the highlights:

Construction of 16th Street between Wewatta and Wynkoop began in early December and will continue for several months. 16th Street Mall FreeMall Ride Service will continue during this timeframe

Construction for the retaining wall adjacent to the Ice House/Rodizio Grill will begin late December and will last 4-6 weeks. The Ice House Garage will maintain access during that timeframe

The parking lot and sidewalk in front of Denver Union Station will close starting in January 2012 for reconstruction. Access to the historic station building will be maintained during that timeframe.

Construction of the north wing building will commence in Spring 2012.

DUS Construction Updates

2011-12-01T08:45:00.001-07:00

A representative of the Kiewit construction team has provided us with an update of the construction at Denver Union Station and what we can expect to see over the next couple of years. To read the letter, please click HERE.

Neighborhood Meeting: Future Re-Use of Denver Union Station

2011-11-04T12:06:00.003-06:00

All,

Last night the public was invited to hear two competing ideas for the re-use of the Historic Union Station. Each development group was asked to showcase their proposals for the interior redevelopment of Denver Union Station and make clear their vision for the future of this iconic building. The room was packed and the ideas shared were fascinating!!

Next Wednesday the 9^th, as a follow up to this meeting, the Union Station Advocates will be bringing together neighborhood stakeholder groups to discuss last night’s presentations and further identify key issues surrounding these proposals.

Join us at the Wynkoop Brewery’s Mercantile Room on Wednesday November 9^th from 5-7pm. Please RSVP by sending an email to info@unionstationadvocates.org

Hope to see you there!

RTD Releases Date, Time, Place for DUS Historic Station Presentations

2011-10-19T11:15:00.002-06:00

RTD submitted the following press release which designates the date and time for the presentations of the Denver Union Station Historic Station redevelopment proposals!

Thursday November 3
6PM
Colorado Convention Center
Rooms 201 and 203
700 14th Street in Downtown Denver

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:

October 19, 2011
Pauletta Tonilas
Public Information Manager

303-299-2469 (office)
303-250-4846 (cell)

Public Invited to Hear Two Competing Ideas for
Denver Union Station Historic Building
November 3 event to showcase proposals for the interior redevelopment of Denver union station

Denver, Oct. 19, 2011 – Two teams competing to redevelop the Regional Transportation District’s historic Denver Union Station building will present their proposals at a public event on Thursday, Nov. 3.

The two and a half-hour event will be held in the Colorado Convention Center, Rooms 201 and 203, 700 14th Street (at California) in downtown Denver and begin at 6 p.m. Each team will have 30 minutes to present the details of its proposal with a 30-minute question/answer session with the public following each presentation. The first presentation by Union Station Neighborhood Company starts at 6:15 p.m., and the second presentation by Union Station Alliance will begin at 7:25 p.m.

Denver Union Station will serve as the intermodal transportation hub for the Denver metro region, bringing together rail and bus service, Amtrak, shuttle service, taxis, bikes, and pedestrian uses. As owner of the building, the RTD Board of Directors will decide soon how the interior of the building will be redeveloped to accommodate its new role as both an activity center and a transit station. As part of this process, RTD initially released a Request for Qualifications followed by a Request for Proposals, receiving two developer concepts for consideration.

Beginning in 2010, RTD commissioned a Stakeholder Committee made up of representatives from downtown interests, historic preservationists, the City and County of Denver, the Denver Union Station Project Authority and others to identify potential uses for the rehabilitation and reuse of the DUS Historic Building. The Stakeholder Committee developed building reuse goals, considered alternative reuse scenarios, evaluated the ability of the reuse scenarios to meet community goals, and discussed the process for selecting a developer to complete the building restoration and reuse. The Denver Union Station project is part of RTD’s voter-approved FasTracks transit expansion program to expand rail and bus service throughout the Denver metro area. FasTracks will build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to better connect the eight-county District. The FasTracks investment initiative is projected to create thousands of construction-related jobs during the height of construction, and will pump billions of dollars into the regional economy over the next 20 years.

Historic Station Public Meeting

2011-10-18T07:50:00.001-06:00

RTD is planning to hold a public meeting on November 3 to give the citizens an opportunity to learn about the proposals for the Denver Union Station Historic Station Building. We would encourage all of the USA supporters to come out! We will post more information as soon as we know it.

Green Infrastructure Ideas by Sustainable Cities Collective

2011-10-12T08:34:00.001-06:00

Hi Advocates!

Here is a great article about sustainable infrastructure in cities!

http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/kaidbenfield/30272/how-green-infrastructure-making-cities-more-sustainable-hospitable

SPECIAL DENVER UNION STATION TOUR

2011-09-29T13:55:00.001-06:00

SPECIAL Denver Union Station tour this saturday! Chance to see the project from 200 ft above!! Saturday, 10AM, in front of the historic station, 17th and Wynkoop, a little more than an hour long, $10 donation recommended.

We would love to see you all there!

Denver Union Station Historic Building Reuse Options

2011-09-27T08:13:00.004-06:00

As the due date for the two proposals for the redevelopment of the historic Denver Union Station building draws near (Oct 3, in fact), we wanted to remind our readers of the varied options for the redevelopment of the historic building.

Please remember that there will be a public meeting to discuss these options, so we highly recommend that our interested followers read-up on the options and come ready to make suggestions and commentary.

As a means of highlighting the two proposals, we are linking to the summaries given earlier this summer on DenverUrbanism.com.

For an introduction to the proposals, please click HERE.

To read about the idea's from the Denver Union Station Redevelopment Team, please click HERE.

To read about the proposed ideas from Union Station Neighborhood Company, please click HERE.

Thanks everyone! Stay tuned for an announcement to follow regarding the date for the public meeting.

Summer Newsletter Part II

2011-09-26T09:23:00.001-06:00

Read Part II of our Summer Newsletter!

CLICK HERE TO READ IT!

FTA Presents Recommendations for Wynkoop Plaza

2011-09-21T14:46:00.003-06:00

The FTA sent out a letter regarding their findings and recommendations for Wynkoop Plaza. To see the letter, please click HERE

US Transportation Secretary Announces RTD Funding Award

2011-09-21T14:28:00.005-06:00

The following was a press release that RTD released on August 31

U.S. Transportation Secretary in Denver today to make major transit funding announcement

SECRETARY RAY LAHOOD TO ALSO PARTICIPATE IN GOLD LINE GROUNDBREAKING

Denver, Aug. 31, 2011 — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit
Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff will be in Denver today to announce a major transit
funding award for the Regional Transportation District’s East Rail Line to Denver International
Airport and the Gold Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge. The two lines are part of RTD’s FasTracks transit expansion program.

The award will be announced at a special signing ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. in
Olde Town Arvada. The event also will celebrate the Gold Line groundbreaking at the site of the
future Olde Town Station.

Prior to the ceremony, the City of Arvada and Historic Olde Town Arvada district will hold a
ribbon‐cutting and ice cream social at 2:30 p.m. to open a model of RTD’s future commuter
train, on display at the Olde Town Square at Olde Wadsworth and W. 57th Ave.

WHAT: Full Funding Grant Agreement Ceremony, Gold Line Groundbreaking
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Olde Town Arvada, Grandview lot at Grandview Avenue and Webster Street
SPEAKERS:
 U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
 FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff

 Governor John Hickenlooper
 Congresswoman Diana DeGette
 Congressman Ed Perlmutter
 Adams County Commissioner W.R. “Skip” Fischer
 Jefferson County Commissioner Faye Griffin
 Arvada Mayor Bob Frie
 Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
 RTD Board Chair Lee Kemp
 RTD Board Member Lorraine Anderson
 RTD General Manager Phil Washington
 Denver Transit Partners Director Greg Amparano

MEDIA ONLY PARKING: Take Ralston Road to Webster Street. Go south on Webster. The media parking area will be on Webster between W. 57th Avenue and Grandview Avenue.

LIVE STREAMING: RTD will provide a live streaming webcast of the ceremony and groundbreaking.

Journalists and the public can visit www.rtd‐denver.com or
tinyurl.com/FasTracksGrant.

September DUSPA Meeting

2011-09-21T14:22:00.000-06:00

Key Discussion Points
9/1/2011 DUSPA Meeting
Letter from USA to Phil Washington, Executive Director of RTD
Jerry Glick summarized the letter as addressing two issues:
1. The need to determine the ongoing management/operations of the Wynkoop Plaza, which he said was an open issue still to be resolved.
2. USA’s request for a public meeting for presentation of the two proposals for restoring the historic Union Station, which he said had just been scheduled and thereby the issue was resolved. He did not mention a place or date.
Bill Sirois of RTD said that he’d talked to Anne Hayes of USA and mentioned that the request for proposal had asked for the proposers’ recommendations for management and operations of the Wynkoop Plaza. He said that a meeting with Phil Washington was being arranged.
Other discussion items
1. The project is 46% complete, with the LRT being 98.6% complete, the bus box 46.8% complete, and the streets and plazas 50% complete. Project completion is now projected for March 16, 2014, slightly ahead of the original schedule.
2. $211,000,000 of the $488,000,000 budget has been paid out to date.
3. The project team is monitoring for any settlement of the historic station due to the completion of the bus box and the drilling of dewatering wells to low the water table. Shoring walls and a tie-back structure are being constructed to prevent any settlement.
4. The artist for the project selected by RTD is Kevin Curry. He will present his ideas to DUSPA at the November 2011 meeting.
5. The pedestrian bridge at the north wing building is in final design review.

Light Rail Opening Festivities

2011-08-18T11:22:00.001-06:00

For a record of the festivities on August 15 with the opening of the new Light Rail station at Denver Union Station, please see this fantastic blog post from Denver InFill!

http://denverinfill.com/blog/2011/08/union-station-update-82.html

Summer Newsletter

2011-08-11T08:19:00.002-06:00

Our summer newsletter is now available! Click HERE to read what's been happening through the summer at Denver Union Station.

Aug 15: Grand Opening of DUS Light Rail

2011-08-10T08:08:00.002-06:00

Please join the Denver Union Station Project Authority and RTD for the Grand Opening of the Denver Union Station Light Rail Station.

Monday August 15, 2011

7-9 AM

Entertainment by the Denver Municipal Band Brass Quartet

740AM Special Train Arrives

750 Program

We Hope to see you there!!

DUSPA Meeting Aug 4

2011-08-09T08:36:00.001-06:00

Project Update:

As of the end of July 2011, the overall project was 43.7% complete. The LRT was at 91% , the Bus Box at 45% and the Streets and Plazas at 45%.

On Monday, August 15th the new Light Rail Station opens and the 16th Mall shuttle buses will be operating to this new location. Early that morning there will be an public opening celebration starting at approximately 7:50 a.m. at the new station.

As soon as the newly constructed Chestnut Street opens to traffic, Wewatta Street will close allowing for excavation to complete the bus box. The glass is being installed in the bus box skylights and the escalator work and wayfinding signage has begun.

As far as project risk, most of the previous unknowns are now known and the good news is that the potential soil contamination is far less than feared. Hopefully this saves some money on the project!

The pedestrian bridge final design should be complete by end of August. The final Public Realm design will incorporate enhancements to the paving materials and crosswalks now that final numbers confirm they can be absorbed by the budget. The Landmark Preservation Commission had previously approved the plans for Wynkoop Plaza with the exception of the necessary protection strategy for the fountain, leaving that final approval to the City. The development team submitted a solution that included combination of bollards and seat walls and the City gave its final approval on July 28th.

The CDOT FASTER Grant is currently being executed. The $4 million will benefit the Historic Station and the work being completed to it which includes two new boilers that are being installed this fall.

Denver Transit Partners who is building the commuter rail line to the airport, has requested and is paying for an increase to the width of their platform. Amtrak has requested and is paying for an extention to their platform at their temporary station site.
Some of the remaining issues for the project include a strategy for the crosswalks on Wynkoop and a permanent solution for the required 150 public parking spaces.

DUS Tour Saturday

2011-08-04T09:43:00.002-06:00

We will be giving a tour of Denver Union Station this saturday morning, the only tour taking place during the transition from old to new light rail station.

Tours start in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop at 10AM. Your $10 donation will go to help our non-profit organization ensure a great public space at DUS.

We would love to see you there!

Summer Light Rail Changes

2011-08-02T08:08:00.003-06:00

RTD is proud to bring exciting changes to the metro area’s transit system this summer. RTD will be opening a new light rail station at Denver Union Station on August 15, and a new Auraria West Campus Station in the Fall. To accomplish this, and moving one step closer to completing the FasTracks Program, we will have Light Rail closures from July 23 – August 14 in the downtown area. To lessen the impact to RTD passengers, we will be doing one consolidated closure. Attached, you will find a fact sheet that goes into more detail about the closures and the alternative bus shuttle service that will be available in lieu of light rail service.

During this time, we ask that all of our community partners help us spread the word, so everyone stays informed. Weekly updates will be provided via email and on our website at www.rtd-denver.com , as well as maps that show the temporary shuttle service during the closures. Attached to this email, you will also find a fact sheet explaining in greater detail the closures and subsequent bus shuttle service and a flyer to use to communicate with your customers or employees. We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience during this exciting time as RTD moves forward to provide you a world class transportation system. Progress is never easy but the end result is always appreciated, and we will all look forward to the results on August 15.

CLICK HERE for External Fact Sheet

CLICK HERE for Closures Flyer

FTA and SHPO Pursue Formal Clearance for Wynkoop Plaza

2011-08-01T10:42:00.002-06:00

The Union Station site has hit the 40% constructed stage and Wynkoop Plaza design elements have garnered support by the project partners and involved stakeholders. The project, pushing forward, is ready to seek further federal funding support of the design and construction elements of Wynkoop Plaza. In order to allow federal support, FTA and SHPO have agreed to pursue formal clearance with a Categorical Exclusion and a 106 Consultation Process.

We're excited to see the project teaming doing everything they can to make Wynkoop Plaza a great public space!

Europe Stifles Drivers in Favor of Mass Transit

2011-07-06T10:18:00.002-06:00

For a European perspective on pedestrianism versus vehicular traffic, see this New York Times article!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/science/earth/27traffic.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

DUS Underground Bus Schedules

2011-06-01T11:19:00.002-06:00

The new underground bus station at Union Station is scheduled to open in 2015. The current projection, based on January 2010 schedules, is for 664 buses per day to operate through the new station in 2015, increasing to 697 per day starting in 2020. . The following spread sheet shows the planned number of buses per hour for Years 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035. Local buses 0 and 15L, plus the CBD Circulator, will access and depart the bus station via 18th Street. Except for deadhead buses (120X, B/BX/BF, and L) entering the station between 12 P.M. and 1 A.M. that will access the bus station’s west ramp via 20th and Chestnut, all other buses will access and depart via the ramp off I 25 that passes behind the Ice House Parking Garage.

To see the bus schedules, please click HERE to download PDFs of the schedules.

DUS Construction Update

2011-05-23T08:22:00.001-06:00

The following construction update was provided by DUSPA:

Regional Bus Facility
Crews are continuing to work on waterproofing the roof of the underground bus facility. As sections of this work are complete, the backfill is placed. This process will be ongoing for another month.

Flashing and glazing on the skylights for the underground bus facility will be starting. The skylights provide natural light inside the facility. Also going on inside the bus facility is installation of electrical/mechanical rough-ins.

Crews are also working on the access into the bus facility from the Chestnut Pavilion, stairs and escalator trusses.

Light Rail Platform
The traction power sub-station (TPSS) that was under the Millennium Bridge hasbeen moved so now crews can continue work on the LRT to connect with the current tracks. They will be building retaining walls, duct bank and overhead catenary system (OCS) foundations.

Streets and Utilities
Our work at Wynkoop St. was completed in April. Other utility companies haveadditional work to perform and will be coming back through to repave Wynkoop St. in the next month.

Over the next month, Xcel Steam (not part of the DUS project) will be continuing the steam line installation work on 16th Street and coming through the intersection with Wynkoop. This work may require closures of the intersection.

There are other utility projects in the neighborhood, so please use caution when driving or walking in this area as there may be lane, parking and sidewalk restrictions.

Crews are pouring curb and gutter and paving on Chestnut Place and 16th St. from the Millennium Bridge towards Wewatta St. in preparation for the opening of LRT and the 16th St Mall Shuttle loop in its permanent location and the opening of Chestnut Place.

Behind Denver Union Station
Demolition of the old pedestrian tunnel and other old structures continues in preparation for the excavation for the next phase of the underground bus facility which will begin upon completion. Crews will begin the de-watering process in early June.

Construction Update

2011-05-02T10:11:00.003-06:00

Spring is upon us and with that comes a concentrated push of construction activities. Here are some of the activities you will see around Union Station (and some that you can't see).

Regional Bus Facility
Crews are continuing to work on waterproofing the roof of the underground bus facility. As sections of this work are complete, the backfill operation begins. This process will be ongoing for the month.

There is also activity on the interior of the underground bus facility. Crews areworking on the installation of electrical/mechanical rough-ins and masonry forinterior partitions.

Light Rail Platform
The Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles and cantilevers installation will be ongoing as will work on the east platform.

Streets and Utilities
The utility installation on Wynkoop St. from 15th St. to 19th St. is nearing completion. This has been a collaborative effort with Qwest, Comcast, and DUS Project utility teams. There will continue to be lane, parking and sidewalk restrictions associated with this work. There are other ancillary utility projects, not managed by Kiewit, in the neighborhood as well, so please use caution when driving in this area.

Behind Denver Union Station
In preparation for the excavation for the next phase of the underground bus facility, demolition of old track, HOV lanes, train platforms, canopies and the old pedestrian tunnel are on-going. Once complete, crews will begin the de-watering process. Excavation in the area should begin in May.

DTP Commuter Rail Mock Up

2011-05-02T10:08:00.003-06:00

To see a PDF mock-up of the commuter light rail line to DIA, please click HERE

(provided by Denver Transit Partners)

DUSPA Meeting Summary

2011-05-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

Below is our summary of the DUSPA meeting April 7:

The meeting opened with the introduction of two new board members and followed with Jim Palmetto of CDOT stating that a Faster grant for improvements to the station related to Amtrak upgrades in the amount of $4,000,000 will be transferred to DUSPA by April 20, 2011.

Bill Mosher then presented the Owner Representative Report, as follows:

As of the end of March 2011, the overall project is 36 ½ % complete. The LRT is 77% complete, the CRT is 24% complete, the bus box is 36% complete, and the streets and plaza are 21% complete.

Kiewit is still trucking out asbestos.

Utility work at Chestnut St. is underway.

The 18th Street pedestrian bridge is 90% designed.

The Public Realm Design is scheduled for completion in late May 2011.

The closings for the USNC purchases of Market Street station is scheduled for end of April and the end of May for the Triangle parcel.

The public art process is underway.

Bill next addressed USA’s concern related to Public Works intention to vary from the Design Guidelines for crosswalks. The guidelines state that crosswalk should be of paving materials different than the concrete street. Bill agreed that the 17th Street pedestrian crossings at Wynkoop and Wazee should have distinguishing paving, and stated that he would take under consideration the other crossings stated in the guidelines.

The Landmark Commission will meet in mid-May to approve the Wynkoop Plaza design. Prior to that meeting the Peer Review group will give their recommendations on the design. The proposed final design will be presented in a public meeting on April 20, 2011. The proposed bike system will also be presented at that meeting.

Other issues presented included:

The Wynkoop Plaza will be 100% granite.

The current plan for accommodating public parking is to locate the 150 spaces in the Lot A building on the southwest side of the train shed.

Frank Cannon of USNC and Mark Falcone of Continuum Partners addressed planned future development and their proposal for the reuse of the historic station (see the USNC plan on their website, http://www.unionstationdenver.com/, to be updated by mid-May). The plan is for a bike station to be located between the EPA building and the triangle parcel. It will include locker rooms with showers, and maintenance and rental facilities. The IMA north-wing building is slated to start construction in the 2nd Quarter of 2012 with move-in by 2013. The planned south-wing building is now planned to be 5 stories, and will include 100,000 square feet. It will break ground in the 2nd quarter on 2012.

USNC is planning to develop two hotels on the triangle parcel lot. Their plan for A Block development includes 3 levels of parking (street level, B1 and B2) and will include 150 spaces for public parking. The B Block building is slated for high-density retail and 350 apartment units.

USNC’s plan for the historic station included:

The building would function primarily as a train station to include ticketing and baggage storage. The south wing would include a marketplace with spill-out seating on the Wynkoop Plaza, plus retail. The train room would house a café that spans two levels up to the mezzanine, a news stand, and a central information kiosk. The benches would be refurbished and set on carpet to mitigate sound reverberation. Wi Fi would be provided. A more detail description of USNC’s plan appeared in the April 10,2011 Denver Post article by Jeffrey Leib, Ideas for Union Station emerge as redevelopment moves ahead. See http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_17811286

Mark Falcone stated that the basic renovation costs for the historic station could be funded within the original budget (which according to the current budget is $17,000,000). Tenant improvements for the commercial leasable space would be separately funded by USNC.

Bill Sirois of RTD presented the results of the Expert Panel and the Stakeholder Group process for the reuse of the historic station. See preceding April 5, 2011 RTD board meeting report.
The final presentation at the meeting was by Randy Nichols and Bill Pruter of Nichols Partners who are proposing to develop a building at 20th and Chestnut to include a 42,000 square foot grocery store, 12,000 square feet of in-line retail, and 300 apartment units on the upper four floors. They are looking for a subsidy from the City for the grocery store portion of the development and were hoping for a positive stance by DUSPA for such a project. Several DUSPA board members were reluctant to show support for any private project proposals. The board decided that DUSPA’s Finance Committee would develop a guideline for addressing such requests.

RTD Meeting Debrief

2011-05-02T09:59:00.003-06:00

Below is our notes taken from the RTD meeting in early April:

Bill Sirois presented a brief overview of the RTD’s process to assess reuse possibilities for the historic Union Station. He talked about both the Stakeholder group and the Expert panel. Representatives from both groups spoke after Bill stated that the resulting recommendation from the process is to expedite an RFQ/RFP process to generate the most creative ideas for reuse of the station. He said that three general uses were considered during the process: 1. Destination retail on the 1st floor and offices on the 2nd and 3rd floors, 2. A boutique hotel with some destination retail on the first floor, and 3. Some form of public use, like an art gallery. He stressed the small leasable space available in Union Station compared to other stations around the country.

Three members of the Expert panel spoke briefly. One addressed risk associated with each general use stated above. The first use, retail and offices, appears least risky, but perhaps not as creative as other uses that may come out of the RFQ/RFP process. Another stated that the hotel use needed to tie with a nearby existing hotel. This person also stated his reservations about the Wynkoop Plaza design (too many trees, not enough space for activities. The third reinforced the importance of coordinating the historic station reuse, the new wing buildings and the plaza design with the historic LoDo neighborhood.

Jerry Glick then spoke for the Stakeholder group, strongly supporting their recommendation for a RFQ/RFP process.

The floor was then open to questions and comments from the RTD Directors.

Union Station Neighborhood Company Shares Activation Plan

2011-05-02T09:55:00.002-06:00

After 50 years of dormancy, the Union Station Neighborhood Company is reawakening Union Station, celebrating its history and transforming it into the centerpiece of a new neighborhood. To learn more, please click the following link:

http://issuu.com/riverfrontpark/docs/historic_station_activation_plan?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

RTD Helps Save DUS History

2011-05-02T09:50:00.003-06:00

As many of our supporters know, the pedestrian tunnel underneath Union Station was permanently filled in February. Since that time, we've had several questions and concerns regarding the signs and lockers within the pedestrian tunnel.

RTD, an an effort to preserve the historic integrity of these elements of the DUS pedestrian tunnel, is temporarily storing and housing the signs and lockers. There is currently a proposal on the streets for artists to use these historic elements in an interpretive signage display for DUS. Other tunnel signs have been given to the RTD marketing department or are being held in storage.

Thanks to RTD for their efforts to preserve, present, and store this important elements of Denver's history!

Public Meeting Wynkoop Plaza

2011-04-13T15:58:00.003-06:00

The Denver Union Station Project Authority will host a public meeting to present updates on Wynkoop Plaza design, bike system integration, crosswalk enhancements, and public parking options. April 20, 2011 530 PM RTD Administrative Building 1600 Blake Street Rooms T&D

March Newsletter

2011-04-07T10:36:00.003-06:00

Our March Newsletter is now available! To read the newsletter, click HERE

RTD Public Meeting Tonight!

2011-04-05T07:17:00.001-06:00

RTD will present their recommendations and conclusions for Denver Union Station tonight. Come and show your support of the project and learn more about what will be happening at DUS! Tuesday April 5 530PM 1600 Blake Street, Rooms T & D See you there!

RTD DUS Update

2011-03-29T10:34:00.002-06:00

RTD printed the below letter regarding their recommendations for the future uses of Denver Union Station. RTD staff will present the full recommendation and conclusions at a panel meeting Tuesday April 5, 530PM at 1600 Blake Street, Rooms T & D. The session is open to the public: March 29, 2011Denver Union Station - Interested Member of the Public: On March 10, our key stakeholder group completed their work on a recommendation for Union Station future uses and the process for moving forward with redevelopment efforts.The stakeholder group includes City and County of Denver, Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA), Downtown Denver Partnership, Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association, Lower Downtown District Inc., Union Station Advocates, and Historic Denver.They recommended that RTD advance the following redevelopment/reuse goals and secure a development partner through a competitive RFQ/RFP process.

New destination uses must activate the building during peak and non-peak transit times.

New uses will energize Union Station as the regional transportation hub.

New first floor uses will give life to the adjacent public realm and vice versa.

The central train room must remain the focal point of the building and adjacent public realm.

Redevelopment must preserve the historic integrity of the building.

New uses should serve the neighborhood and the station district area.

New uses must allow the building to be financially independent or have a dedicated funding source.

RTD staff will present the full stakeholder recommendation and the conclusions of an RTD-convened three-member panel of banking and real estate experts to the RTD Board's Planning and Development Committee at their regular meeting: Tuesday, April 5 at RTD offices (1600 Blake St. in downtown Denver) 5:30 p.m., Rooms T&D in the basement At the same time, the RTD staff will affirm their support for the stakeholders' recommendation, including the RFQ/RFP process. The committee meeting format allows for Board discussion and for questions from the Board to the stakeholders, the expert panel members and staff. It does not include a public comment period, though the session is open to the public. Copies of the April 5 presentation will be posted on the following web site after the meeting and your input is welcome anytime at: www.rtd-fastracks.com/dus_1 We hope to see you there!

USA Social Media

2011-03-28T09:20:00.000-06:00

Union Station Advocates has decided as a board to re-engage the social media for our organization. The group will now formally engage with Twitter, Facebook, and this Blog to help encourage involvement by our members and followers. We encourage you to Follow Us on Twitter and Fan Us on Facebook!

Union Station Advocates Makes Final Recommendations

2011-03-23T12:18:00.002-06:00

After months of conversations, the public process for the Denver Union Station Historic Building has been completed. Union Station Advocates, by discussing with various stakeholder groups and interested citizens, has submitted a final recommendation. Below is a summary of our final recommendations:

Overview
o Redevelopment goals
o Criteria to apply to any redevelopment idea (in an expanded submittal)
o Illustrative scenarios – apply the criteria to three possibilities
o Process

Goals

1. New destination uses must activate the building.
2. New uses should serve the neighborhood and the station district area as well.
3. New uses will energize and reestablish Union Station as the regional transportation hub.
4. New ground floor uses will give life to the adjacent public spaces and vice versa.
5. The central train room must remain the focal point of the building.
6. Redevelopment must preserve the historic integrity of the building.
7. New uses must allow the building to be financially independent or have a dedicated funding source.

Scenarios
We examined three scenarios and discussed whether each could meet the goals. While each has advantages and challenges, we determined that all three are viable alternatives that can realize the goals.

Scenario 1
1st Floor Retail attraction (specialty market or unique store)
Destination restaurant
Includes Amtrak and transit services
2nd Floor Office single tenant or multi-tenant
3rd Floor Office single tenant or multi-tenant

Scenario 2
1st Floor Hotel function
Hotel restaurant
Includes Amtrak and transit services
2nd Floor Hotel rooms and back-of-house
3rd Floor Hotel rooms

Scenario 3
1st Floor Civic or cultural destination
Destination restaurant
Includes Amtrak and transit services
2nd Floor Civic/cultural and office space
3rd Floor Office space

Process
Denver’s historic Union Station is one of region’s most significant standing structures. Its role as the centerpiece of Metro Denver’s FasTracks regional transit system will reaffirm and likely increase this significance. The successful reuse of the Historic Station is critical to the success of the entire Denver Union Station redevelopment, including the transportation elements and adjacent public spaces in which the citizens within the Regional Transportation District are investing considerable dollars. It will be very important to assure that the ultimate use of the historic station is determined through a process that encourages broad participation and elicits creative and financially sound solutions. The DUS Stakeholders believe that their goals and supporting criteria will have the greatest chance of being realized if RTD solicits proposals from a number of developers and evaluates the proposals to select the best solution for the historic station.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) would clearly communicate the project goals that have been identified though this DUS Stakeholder/Expert Panel public process. The RFP can make clear the funding and timing of the core and shell improvements that are part of the current DUS redevelopment project budget and also can include applicable federal procurement requirements. The RFP should set forth absolute requirements such as assured financing, satisfactory accommodation for AMTRAK and other essential elements of a successful reuse plan. The DUS Stakeholders believe that an RFP process will provide RTD with the best chance to receive creative and diverse proposals both from a spatial and a financial perspective and give them more choice in their ultimate decision for the successful reuse of the historic station.

Criteria
New destination uses must activate the building.
The new uses should serve the neighborhood and the station district area as well.
New uses will energize and reestablish Union Station as the regional transportation hub.
New ground floor uses will give life to the adjacent public spaces and vice versa.
The central train room must remain the focal point of the building.
Redevelopment must preserve the historic integrity of the building.
The new uses must, in the aggregate, allow the building to be financially independent, or the uses should have a dedicated funding source.

We would like to thank all of our supporters and interested citizens who have helped us form these final recommendations!

Union Station Tour this Saturday!

2011-03-04T10:46:00.002-07:00

To all of our wonderful supporters,

Union Station Advocates, in partnership with Denver InFill, is hosting one of our semi-biweekly tours of the Union Station development. Join us this Saturday morning to learn about the history of the project and the development as it moves forward.

Saturday March 5
10-11AM
Meet in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop at 950AM.
Tours begin promptly at 10AM.
Suggested donation for the tour is $10/person and all proceeds go to help Union Station Advocates in our cause and efforts.

Hope to see you Saturday!

DUS Stakeholder Meeting

2011-02-11T08:36:00.002-07:00

This week, Union Station Advocates attended a stakeholder meeting for Denver Union Station. Below are the updates from the meeting, as well as agenda and current goals.

Based on feedback over the last month, RTD executive management has decided to delay by one month the presentation to the Board of a recommended action. We now have one more stakeholder meeting set up on March 10th at which we will be presented the recommendation from the Expert Panel. The Stakeholder Group will have the opportunity to finalize our recommendation with full knowledge of the Expert Panel’s recommendation. RTD staff will use the feedback from the Expert Panel, DUS Stakeholder Group and EPS (financial consultant) to create a recommendation that will be presented to the Fastracks Monitoring Committee on April 5th and the entire RTD Board will take up the matter on April 19th. There will be opportunity for additional public comment at the April 19th Board meeting.

Agenda:
Goals:
- Set Schedule
- Review Draft Recommendation

3:00 Schedule – Bill Sirois, RTD
3:40 Continuation – Stakeholders’ recommendation to RTD discussion
4:00 Adjourn

Stakeholder Recommendation:
Overview:
DUS Historic Building Stakeholders

DUSPA - Elbra Wedgeworth, Jerry Glick
City and County of Denver - Diane Barrett, Ellen Ittelson
Union Station Advocates -Anne Hayes, Ron Straka
Downtown Denver Partnership - John Desmond
Lower Downtown District Inc. - Holly Barrett, Chris Shears
Historic Denver - Annie Levinsky, John Olson
Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association - Mike West

Recommendations cover these topics

Redevelopment goals
Criteria to apply to any redevelopment idea (in an expanded submittal)
Illustrative scenarios - apply the criteria to three possibilities
Process

Goals
1. New uses must activate the building.
2. New uses will return Union Station to the transportation hub it once was.
3. New uses will give life to the public plazas and vice versa.
4. The central train room must remain a focal point.
5. Redevelopment must preserve the building's history.
6. New uses should serve the neighborhood and the station district plan.
7. New uses must allow the building to be financially independent or have a dedicated funding
8. source.

A more detailed set of criteria that expands this list of seven goals is attached.

Scenarios
We examined three scenarios and discussed whether each could meet the goals. While each has advantages and challenges, we determined that all three are viable alternatives that can realize the goals.

Scenario 1
1st Floor
- Retail attraction (specialty market or unique store)
- Destination restaurant
- Includes Amtrak and transit services

2nd Floor
- Office single tenant or multi-tenant

3rd Floor
- Office single tenant or multi-tenant

Scenario 2
1st Floor
- Hotel function
- Hotel restaurant
- Includes Amtrak and transit services

2nd Floor
- Hotel rooms and back-of-house

3rd Floor
- Hotel rooms

Scenario 3
1st Floor
- Civic or cultural destination
- Destination restaurant
- Includes Amtrak and transit services

2nd Floor
- Civic/cultural and office space

3rd Floor
- Office space

Process
To secure the best possible future use for Denver Union Station and the best possible development
agreement for RTD and the public, we recommend (all but 1, TBD) that the RTD Board issue a request
for proposals and select a development partner in a competitive process. Two considerations with
respect to this process will be the timing of project funds for core and shell improvements and
identifying Federal procurement requirements; resolution of these will make it possible for potential
development partners to create viable proposals.

Criteria
We recognize that it may be difficult to satisfy each and every item in the list that follows and we recognize that pursuing some of these objectives may foreclose the ability to pursue others. Nonetheless, we believe it is important to consider all of these objectives.

New uses must activate the building.

Uses should draw in visitors, residents and workers in Lower Downtown, the Commons neighborhood and downtown Denver, as well as create a destination for people everywhere in the Denver region.
A majority of new uses should be destination-oriented uses which meet the needs of transit users in peak and non-peak times and the needs of Lower Downtown, the Transit District and adjacent areas at all times.
Uses should draw in travelers on bus, light rail and commuter lines and enhance the transit/traveler experience:
Those who will move quickly through the station to catch a train or bus and those who travel to the station and then move quickly through the station to their downtown destination·
Those who will use their limited time in the building on the way to or from a transit trip for a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee or to get a piece of information about their travel
Those who arrive and have time to shop, eat a leisurely meal, or walk through an exhibition that entertains, instructs or inspires.
Those who will be there for arriving or departing travelers.
New uses should give the building life day and night, seven days a week.

New uses will return Union Station to the transportation hub it once was.

The central train room, as an integral part of the public realm that connects Wynkoop Plaza and the new train hall, needs to be accessible at all hours of transit operations.
Uses in the train room should relate to the new train hall and create a visual connection through the historic central train room on the new train hall side of the building.
New first floor uses should activate the central train room, including accommodating Amtrak's needs with sufficient square footage in appropriate locations.
Suggested uses must recognize that the Union Station Project as a whole is a transportation project, and new uses must be compatible with FasTracks and Amtrak customers.

New uses will give life to the public plazas and vice versa.

Uses on the first floor of the north and south wings must relate to and take full advantage of the public plazas on the Wynkoop side of the building, drawing users into and out of the building and creating east-west pedestrian movement.
New uses on the ground floor of the historic building and in the new wing buildings offer an opportunity to activate the plaza space and should complement each other.

The central train raam must remain a focal point.

The central train room should not be substantially divided and the volume of space should maintain visual access to both sets of grand windows to the east and the west. Users should perceive the central train room as a singular space.
While the integrity of the central train room is important, this should not exclude the possibility of using the mezzanine as an integral part of the space and making it publicly accessible.
Uses adjacent to the central train room (on both first and second floors) are critical to help activate the space, provide natural surveillance (eyes on the space) and provide a visual connection from the exterior to and from the central train room.

Redevelopment must preserve the building's history.

Individual architectural features identified as original throughout the Historic Structures Assessment, regardless of their construction date, and the various finishes and materials that make up the walls, floors, and ceilings should be given every consideration for retention prior to planning for modifications.
Critical deficiencies, as outlined in the Historic Structures Assessment, should be addressed in any plan going forward and repairs to serious deficiencies should be given careful consideration when choosing any use or layout.
The central train room restoration should make the train room active while utilizing and preserving some or all of the benches in some configuration (repositioning, relocating or making them movable).
The uses must fit the physical constraints of the building envelope.

The new uses should serve the neighborhood and the station district plan.

The uses should support and complement the development program in the rest of the station district, Commons and Lower Downtown neighborhoods.
It is important to encourage uses unique to Denver, the transit district, Commons, Lower Downtown.

The new uses must, in the aggregate, allow the building to be financially independent, or the uses should have a dedicated funding source.

Using historic preservation tax credits, even though that could require selling the building to a private interest for at least some period of time, should be considered in financing the restoration and revitalization of the building.
Public/private partnerships should be encouraged as a way to meet the dual need for the building to serve the citizens of Denver, and to be financially self sustaining.
Uses must generate revenue for building renovation and cover building operations.
Uses must support tax generation in the project area which is essential to repay project debt.

DUSPA Meeting Feb 3

2011-02-08T10:52:00.002-07:00

The DUSPA Board held their monthly meeting on February 3rd. At the meeting, it was announced that Don Hunt would be resigning from the Board due to his new role as Executive Director of CDOT. Other discussions included the schedule for release of unaudited and audited financial statements according to the requirements of TIFIA and RRIF. The Owner Representative reported that the project is now 32.4% complete and that the light rail cutover date has been established to be July 19th. The board planned to visit the Rocky Mountain Precast yard to check on the progress of the vent tubes. New construction activities this month will include the start of installation for the overhead catenaries for light rail, start for above grade demolition west of the historic station to Wewatta. It was noted that Wewatta would be open until August. There are only 3 remaining design packages that require approval/release. The Pedestrian bridge is expected to be released 3/25/11, the redesign of track and throat will be released 3/30/11 and the final public realm design will be released 6/15/11. The Historic Station building drawings for its required new steam boiler is at 50%. The team will tackle the cooling design next. In general, the project continues to progress on schedule.

The meeting agenda was as follows:

REVISED AGENDA
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE DENVER UNION STATION PROJECT AUTHORITY
February 3, 2011
1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
HOGAN LOVELLS
1200 Seventeenth Street
Suite 1500
Denver, CO 80202
303-899-7300

I. CALL TO ORDER
II. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. ROLL CALL (See Attachment 1)
V. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES (January 6, 2011)
VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Resignation of Don Hunt as City Appointed Board Member
B. Finance Committee Report – Claude Pumilia
i) 2011 Plan of Finance Update – Doug McCleod
ii) 2010 Audit Status
C. Selection of External Auditor – Mike West
D. Owner’s Representative Report – Bill Mosher/Mike Sullivan
i) Update regarding Project Progress
ii) Change Order Update
a. Change Order Approval
iii) Update regarding Market Street Station Closing
E. Discussion of Federal Contract Issues – Dawn Bookhardt/Cole Finegan
VII. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approval of Change Orders
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
[The Board may enter into executive session in order to discuss certain matters as permitted under the Colorado Open Meetings Law (C.R.S. § 24-6-402 et seq.) related to financial and contract negotiations, financial management negotiations, and litigation.]
[ACTION ITEMS RESULTING FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION]

IX. FUTURE MEETINGS:
A. March 3, 2011
B. April 7, 2011
X. ADJOURNMENT
ATTACHMENT 1

DIRECTORS

Laura Aldrete
Parsons Brinckerhoff
City Director
Jerry Glick
Columbia Group LLLP – President
City Director
[Don Hunt]
Antero – President
City Director
Bill Bianco
Davis Graham & Stubbs
City Director
Elbra Wedgeworth
Denver Health – CGCAO
City Director
Michael West
Michael D. West, CPA – CPA
City Director
Judy Montero
City Council District #9 – Councilwoman
City Director*
Claude Pumilia
City and County of Denver – CFO
Manager of Finance, ex officio*
Marla Lien
RTD – General Counsel
RTD Director
Kent Bagley
RTD – Board Member
RTD Director
Mark Imhoff
CDOT – Executive Director
CDOT Director
Jennifer Schaufele
DRCOG – Executive Director
DRCOG Director
Steve Kaplan
Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell
Met District Director

* Non-voting

Updated DUS Schedule

2011-02-07T14:55:00.003-07:00

As the project continues to move forward, we've seen progress on the redevelopment schedule. Below is an updated timeline as given in January by RTD, Amtrak, and Denver Union Station Project Authority:

Feb. 1: Opening of temporary Amtrak Station at 1800 21st Street.
Feb. 1: Closure of the pedestrian tunnel from the historic station to the current light rail platform and Mall Shuttle stop.
Feb. 9: Closure of the Bus/HOV lane behind Union Station and re-routing of peak hour Regional and Express buses to Market Street Station.
Spring 2011: Construction of Chestnut Place.
Summer 2011: Opening of the new Light Rail Station and the extension of the 16th Street Mall Shuttle to the station.
Summer 2011: Closure of Wewatta Street behind Union Station and opening of Chestnut Place.
Summer 2011: Construction will begin on the next phase of the underground bus facility from Wewatta Street to the west side
of the historic Denver Union Station building.
Ongoing: Continued utility relocation.
Ongoing: Work on the interior of the current phase of the underground bus facility.

Stay tuned for more updates!

RTD Presentation on Denver Union Station

2011-02-03T16:33:00.003-07:00

RTD held a public meeting on January 26th to report the progress on the planning process for the Historic Building at Denver Union Station. There are three separate groups that have been engaged by RTD in the planning process. A consultant, Economic & Planning Systems, has been engaged to run potential scenario financial analyses, a select panel of real estate and finance experts to lend their advice based on relevant experience and a stakeholder group, on which the City of Denver, Historic Denver, Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver Union Station Project Authority, LoDo District, Inc. and Union Station Advocates are all represented. These groups have been meeting regularly and sometimes together to generate a list of design and programming criteria, determine potential uses and suggest a future process for implementation. The goal is to forward a consensus opinion to the RTD Board of Directors by end of February. The Board is scheduled to decide on a strategy at its March 15th board meeting. USA would appreciate any opinions that you wish to convey. Please take a look at the most recent summary power point presentation and let us know your thoughts. You can send them to info@unionstationadvocates.org.

To see RTD's information, please see either of the following links:
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/dus_1

http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/media/uploads/dus/DUS_public_meeting_012611_FINAL.pdf

Thanks, and we look forward to hearing your opinions!

Amtrack Relocation Postponed

2011-01-31T16:22:00.002-07:00

For Immediate Release from Denver Union Station Project Authority and Regional Transportation District:

Amtrak relocation from Denver Union Station
to temporary station POSTPONED

Move to temporary location delayed due to sub-zero weather conditions

DENVER – The Amtrak move from Denver Union Station to the temporary station at 1800 21st St., has been postponed until Friday, February 4, 2011. Predicted sub-zero temperatures and other severe weather conditions will delay the necessary track changes.

Amtrak operates two trains daily through Denver – the westbound California Zephyr departing at 8:05 a.m. and the eastbound California Zephyr departing at 7:10 p.m. The California Zephyr runs between Chicago and Emeryville.

Amtrak passengers who use Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches at Denver to connect with the
Amtrak Southwest Chief at Raton, N.M. will continue using Denver Union Station until the temporary station opens on Friday, February 4.

Last year, 128,410 Amtrak passengers used the Denver station. For more information, Amtrak customers locally can call 303-825-2583 or the toll-free Amtrak contact centers at 800-USA-RAIL.

Union Station Tour This Saturday!

2011-01-28T12:26:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder to everyone to attend a tour of Union Station this Saturday! Those who wish to attend should meet in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop at 9:50AM. Tours begin promptly at 10AM. Your $10 donation will go towards the Union Station Advocates mission and will buy you a 3 month membership!

This is the last time to tour this historic tunnel under the station, which will be closed forever starting February 1.

Hope to see you there!

DUS Public Meeting

2011-01-18T07:27:00.003-07:00

For those who are interested, a public meeting is scheduled for Denver Union Station on January 26. The public meeting, put on by RTD FasTracks, will focus on the historic building reuse. Attendees will hear an update of study progress that will help inform decisions regarding the most appropriate and economically feasible uses for the station.

Wednesday January 26, 2011
530-730PM
Regional Transportation District Administrative Offices
1600 Blake Street, Rooms T & D
Denver, CO 80202

We hope to see you there!

Portal to Progress Screening

2011-01-17T07:45:00.002-07:00

Union Station Advocates, in partnership with the LoDo District, presents Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress.

From past glory to future promise, discover the legacy of a grand community icon and participate int he rebirth of Denver's Union Station.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Oxford Hotel Ballroom
1637 Wazee Street
530-615 PM Cash Bar and Popcorn
615-730 PM program
$20 General Admission
$35 Admission & DVD

Film will begin with an introduction by Dana Crawford with post film comments by producer Jim Havey.

Please RSVP to info@unionstationadvocates.org

Proceeds will be used to support Union Station Advocates' and LoDo District's missions to assure great civic spaces and promote the historic integrity of Union Station and the Lower Downtown Neighborhood.

USA to Show Portal to Progress

2011-01-10T11:35:00.002-07:00

Union Station Advocates, in participation with the Lodo District, will be showing the film Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress. The event will be in support of these two non-profit organizations and will offer an opportunity for citizens to garner knowledge for what is happening on the site.

From past glory to future promise, discover the legacy of a grand community icon and participate in the rebirth of Denver's Union Station.

Oxford Hotel Ballroom
1637 Wazee Street
5:30 - 6:15 PM Cash Bar and Popcorn
6:15 - 7:730 Program

$20 General Admission
$35 Admission + DVD

Please email RSVP to info@unionstationadvocates.org

Proceeds will be used to support the missions of Union Station Advocates and LoDo District to assure great civic spaces and promote the historic integrity of Union Station and the Lower Downtown neighborhood.

Hope to see everyone at this event!

Union Station Landscape Plans Updated

2011-01-07T07:35:00.002-07:00

In the month of December, Union Station Advocates was given the opportunity to overlook some recent landscape developments for the Union Station Redevelopment site. The landscape plans identify concrete pavers for the Wynkoop Plaza, though the design team has been instructed to design additional options for granite pavers, an option that the team is still attempting to fund.

The landscape plans also identify an issue of much debate: the trees at the Union Station development. Some stakeholders would like to see the entire site populated with Honey Locust trees, matching the 16th Street Mall design. However, at the Kennedy building, existing plum trees are already thriving. The design team plans to examine each option to find the highest and best use of the site and the trees that will encompass the landscaping.

If you have comments about either of these issues, please let us know so we can pass them to the design team!

Tour Dates

2011-01-03T10:56:00.003-07:00

Due to the holiday season, tours will start up again on January 15, 2011. Come join us for the first tour of 2011!

Saturday Jan 15
In front of historic station at 17th and Wynkoop
10-11AM, rain or shine
$10 donation which buys you a 3 month membership!

USA Needs Your Help!

2010-12-15T10:25:00.002-07:00

At a recent meeting with the Union Station Redevelopment team, it was discovered that funding for Wynkoop Plaza has been reduced due to unavoidable, project-related increases in costs. These increased costs will force the development team to spend less money at Wynkoop Plaza, which will hinder the integrity of the design. However, there are ways to ensure that funding makes its way to the plaza...

As Wynkoop Plaza will be the center of the Public Realm at Union Station, we need to make sure it's done right! Help us fight for additional funding for Wynkoop Plaza, find additional donations, and make the public space a great area!

Send us your comments and feed back about how important Wynkoop Plaza is to the public:
1. Comment on this Blog

2. Write on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945

3. Tweet us
http://twitter.com/UnionStationAdv

4. Email us
info@unionstationadvocates.org

We need your support to make sure Wynkoop Plaza becomes all we know it can be!

December 2 DUSPA Board Meeting Summary

2010-12-09T07:49:00.002-07:00

Robin Kniech announced that she would be leaving the board as of the end of the December meeting.

Roger Sherman reviewed the Public Involvement over the past year including:

Re-launched the DUSPA website
Held 4 meetings on DUS public realm
Held public presentations and did community outreach
Conducted public walking tours of the DUS site
Created weekly DUS News Digest and updated Project Fact Sheets
Organized the Construction Celebration
A summary was distributed and can be found here

Mike Sullivan gave a project report:

The project is 26% complete as of November 30.
The Light Rail component is 57% complete
The Bus Box is 27% complete
The Commuter Rail component is 18% complete
Plazas and ROWs are 19% complete
The project can boast its 641st accident free day
Utility relocations have been coming in under budget so far.
The temporary Amtrak Station was expected to receive its certificate of occupancy on 12.3.10 and noticed was to be sent to Amtrak that they should start its service in the temporary location on February 1st.
Design is complete on all transit elements except for redesign of track in throat
Public Realm design is at 60% and final design decisions will be reviewed/decided over the next month with a Peer Group review expected in January, another public meeting in early February and hopefully presentation to Planning Board by end of February. Primary outstanding decisions include paving material and light fixtures.
A budget review reported that $4 million of the contingency has been spent and $14.5 million is remaining.
The board approved a new policy for change order approvals that called for DUSPA Board Approval for any change order that uses unallocated contingency funds over $500,000.
The board approved the 2010/2011 Annual Budgets and Work Plans
Budget assumes the South Wing Building parcel sale on Dec. 15th
Budget assumes a sale of Market Street Station and the Triangle Piece in 2011.
The board approved the Public Involvement Consultant’s Scope of Work and Budget for 2011·
The board approved the 2nd Amendment to the USNC Master Developer Agreement that helps resolve potential timing issue on Plaza construction and South Wing Building construction.

FREE 3 Month Membership with Tours

2010-12-08T09:42:00.002-07:00

In an effort to encourage membership and truly engage public interest, Union Station Advocates is now offering a FREE 3 month membership with your $10 donation at our semi bi-weekly tours. Memberships offer a unique insight into what is happening on the site and behind the scenes. Perhaps most importantly, our members are directly involved with the project development as we bring their comments directly to the project team. If you're interested in having a one-of-a-kind insight into the Union Station Redevelopment, we encourage you to come joint a tour!

Where: Tours start in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop

When: First, third, and fifth (as applicable) Saturday of each month, 10AM - 11AM, arrive by 955AM. Tours will happen rain or shine.

Who: Limit 15 people per tour, first come first served.

Donation***: $10 per person, cash only

*** Your donation now buys you a 3 month USA membership!

16th Street Mall Progresses

2010-12-08T08:32:00.002-07:00

As one of the most iconic identifiers of Downtown Denver, 16th Street Mall is the focus of tourism and City character. The Downtown Denver Partnership, RTD, and the City of Denver are working with private consultants to revamp the pavers and streetscape design in the coming months.

The new design for 16th Street Mall includes 2 options. Option #1 minimizes overall intervention with the current design by maintaining existing transit operations and overall layout. This option keeps the bus lanes, sidewalks, and treeline. Option #2 responds to current solar exposure by transforming the entire mall into an asymmetrical block setup. This setup moves the two lanes of traffic together around the existing south treeline, making the former transit lane an extra-wide walkway with extended patio and kiosk space. This provides more flexible pedestrian space with room for full-scale retail kiosks. It also allows retail access without crossing bus lanes and creates an expanded walkway are as well as a possible third row of trees. It is feasible to make this change while still preserving the ornate diamondback paver design and the design does not disturb the existing Honey-Locust trees.

To learn more about the design options, please see the Downtown Denver Partnership website at www.downtowndenver.com.

Kiewit Prices Public Realm Drawings

2010-12-08T08:26:00.003-07:00

In the month of November, Kiewit has finalized pricing for 60% public realm drawings. This pricing gives RTD a better idea of final construction costs and project status. As Kiewit moves forward with pricing and drawings, they continue to seek public input and citizen participation.

To encourage designs that have come straight from the Denver citizenry, Union Station Advocates, LoDo District, LoDoNa, and the Downtown Denver Partnership will convene with the City of Denver and RTD in December. Let us know if you have comments you would like us to bring!

Come Tour Union Station!

2010-12-02T16:33:00.003-07:00

Don't forget about our bi-weekley tours! We have another tour coming up this Saturday from 10-11AM, and we would love to see some new faces!

Remember that your $10 donation now buys you a 3 month membership to Union Station Advocates. With this membership you will receive project updates, newsletters, and event invitations. Becoming a member is the BEST way to learn about what's happening at Union Station.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Where: Tours start in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop

When: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday of each month, 10-11 AM, arrive by 955AM. Tours happen rain or shine.

Who: Limit 15 people per tour, first come first served.

Donation: $10 per person, cash only*

* Your donation now buys you a 3 month USA membership!!!

Roving Reporter in the Field - November

2010-11-29T08:00:00.003-07:00

Exciting changes have taken place over the last 30 days at the Union Station site. The dirt and metal has started to take form. Union Station Advocates is proud to offer the point-of-view of our Roving Reporter in the Field, Rick Anstey, who takes notes on daily growth and monthly development. Below are brief updates of the site which have transpired during the month of November:

Construction of the roof of the bus terminal has been underway since early November.

Backfilling behind the walls started at about the same time using dirt from the two large piles on the site.

Concrete partitions are being built to separate machinery (air-handling equipment, etc) from the bus and passenger areas of the terminal.

The concrete floor for the light rail passenger platform has been poured.

Renovation of the temporary Amtrak station appears to be complete: the outside walls have been painted, signage has been added, and the parking lot is striped.

Much of the concrete floor of the Amtrak passenger platform has been poured.

Frequent updates and detailed photos can be found at www.Denverinfill.com/blog/

Stay tuned for more updates!

Evaluating Future Uses of Union Station

2010-11-17T15:46:00.003-07:00

At a public meeting on October 15, RTD presented an informal look at the process RTD will use for evaluating the future uses of the historic station.

The evaluation will address the following issues:

Transportation

Preservation

Neighborhood

Public Access

Finances

Each of the 5 areas are intertwined and must all complement each other with trade-offs required. Public meetings and stakeholder meetings will help to evaluate these issues. Final recommendations regarding these 5 areas are set to be made in February.

If any of our Union Station Advocates members or interested citizens are concerned about these areas of RTD, feel free to let us know! We look forward to hearing RTD's results of this evaluation.

Tour the Denver Union Station Redevelopment Site

2010-11-17T15:37:00.003-07:00

In an effort to engage the public and keep the citizens informed, Union Station Advocates, in partnership with DenverInfill, is offering one-hour guided walking tours of the Denver Union Station project site. The tours will provide an overview of this exciting project and a description of current construction activities. Stay engaged and informed about Union Station's transformation by joining Union Station Advocates on a tour!

Where:
Tours start in front of the historic station at 17th and Wynkoop

When:
First, third, and fifth (as applicable) Saturday of each month
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, arrive by 9:55 AM
Tours will happen rain or shine

Who:
Limit 15 people per tour, first come first served

Donation:
$10 per person, cash only

We look forward to seeing you onsite!

RTD Forms Stakeholder Group

2010-11-16T15:34:00.004-07:00

Over the next three months, a group of stakeholders has been assembled by RTD to assess the possible reuses of Denver Union Station. A recommendation, as decided upon by this group of stakeholders, will be made to the RTD Board of Directors in early February 2011. This post elucidates the stakeholder representatives, purpose, vision, and role.

Members of the Stakeholder Group:

Elbra Wedgeworth/Jerry Glick - DUSPA
Annie Levinsky - Historic Denver
Anne Hayes/Ron Straka - Union Station Advocates
John Desmond - Downtown Denver Partnership
Mike West - Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association
Holly Barrett/Chris Shears - Lower Downtown District, Inc.
Diane Barrett/Ellen Ittelson - City and County of Denver
Bill Sirois - RTD

As a first step, the group is working on a protocol document that will guide all future discussions. This document will establish:

Purpose of the Stakeholder Committee
Group Member Roles
Facilitation
Public Input
Denver Union Station Vision Statement
Potential Uses of the Station Building
Funding/Operations Options for Station Building
Goal of Consensus

Activity Dates:

Public Meeting – October, 14 2010
Launch the Process
Open the Way for Public Input and for Communication between the Stakeholder Group and the Public
Review Vision and Goals
Discuss Tradeoffs
Stakeholder Meeting #1 - October, 28 2010
Affirm Process and Protocols
Review/Revise/Ratify Goals
Translate These Into Evaluation Criteria
Discuss Data Needs and Begin Data Presentations
First Look – Options/Alternatives
Expert Panel
Stakeholder Meeting #2 - November, 18 2010
Building Tour
Review Data
3:00 – 5:00 USNC’s office
In Denver Union Station
Expert Panel
Stakeholder Meeting #3 - December 16, 2010
Discuss Options
Expert Panel
Stakeholder Meeting #4 - January 13, 2011
Review Independent Evaluation
Discuss Options/Alternatives
Identify Most Promising Option or Options
Discuss Governance
Begin Consensus Building on Recommendation to RTD Board
Public Meeting #2
Present Preliminary Conclusions
Take Feedback
Expert Panel
Stakeholder Meeting #5
Build Consensus on Recommendation to RTD Board, January 27, 2011
Findings to RTD Board, February 1, 2011RTD Board Action, February 15, 2011

We encourage our readers and members to engage in public input meetings! Join us in helping to make Union Station a great public space!

USA September 2010 News Summary

2010-10-04T11:32:00.006-06:00

This issue of the USA News Summary provides summaries of DUSPA’s first annual meeting and the public meeting that addressed the latest design refinements to the transit and public realm design. It also provides a construction update, with photo, from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field. For those interested in the paving materials being considered for the Wynkoop Plaza, please see the section describing the viewing location for three paver mock-up displays. Also see a brief description of USA’s inaugural DUS project tour event and information on notice for future tours.

September 2, 2010 DUSPA Summary

This was the first Annual Meeting of the DUSPA Board. A block nomination for re-appointment of the current board was moved, seconded and approved unanimously. It was mentioned that Mark Smith’s resignation from the Metro District Board has created a vacancy on that board.

The Finance Committee reported that the Master Development Agreement Amendment that includes meeting the federal requirements for release of funds was approved.

In the Owner Representative Report, Bill Mosher stated that $926,000 has been drawn on the $3 million advance, and $65 million has been spent to date on the project with $57,950,000 paid.

Regarding the construction status, Mike Sullivan of Kiewit stated that the project is on schedule with the Light Rail Terminal 45% complete, the Bus Box 20% complete, the Commuter Rail Terminal 14% complete and street/plaza 15% complete. Overall the transit portion of the project is 21% complete. The time spent on the project to date is 549 work days. The transit design for streets will be 100% complete by mid-October and the CRT design is 90% complete. He also stated that remediation of ground water is going well.

Bill Mosher stated the public realm design is in the 30% to 60% phase, and there will be a public meeting on September 15th to present the latest design refinements. He was followed by Ken Haines of Hargreaves, the landscape architectural firm for the project, who showed slides of the current thinking for aspects of the public realm including the 17th Street Gardens and the LRT tubes. The slide presentation is posted on the official www.denverunionstation.org website. Ken also showed some samples of paving material for the Wynkoop Plaza and several possible stone samples for seating walls and other uses.

Bill Mosher then stated that the public realm design was in the “trade-off” stage where changes (upgrades) in some areas can be funded by scope reductions in other areas. DUSPA’s current priorities are 1.) 16th Street Mall, 2.) Wynkoop Plaza, 3.) 17th Street Gardens, 4.) LRT Plaza, and 5.) 18th Street Pedestrian Bridge. The Wynkoop Plaza is 1/3rd of the budget (~$8.8 Million) with ~$15.7 Million for the west side of the station. The annual maintenance budget for the overall project is $4 Million. The public art budget is 1% of the total budget.

Kris Takacs of SOM showed slides of recent design refinements which are also available for viewing on the official www.denverunionstation.org website.

Bill Sirois of RTD talked about the formation of a DUS Historic Building Task Force comprised of people from RTD, USNC, DUSPA, and Historic Denver. He stated that there is an internal task force at RTD putting together the process to decide what to do with the station building. There is to be a Stakeholder Group that includes Historic Denver as well as Union Station Advocates and other interested organizations/persons. Michael Hughes from the Center for Science & Public Policy of The Keystone Center has been hired by RTD to facilitate the public process for Station Building.

USNC is analyzing the building including ascertaining prospective uses and estimating costs for renovation. The individual who is conducting the analysis of the building for USNC is Martin Willie. That analysis will inform the public process.

The meeting adjourned without moving into Executive Session.

Paver Mock-ups and Sample Fencing Material

Kiewit has constructed mock-ups of three paver options for Wynkoop Plaza outside of their offices in Union Station (South wing outdoor seating area). Each is 10’x10’ with two of mock-ups having 4”x8” pavers and another with 6”x12” pavers. The mock-ups will remain in place into October.

There is also a sample of the wire mesh fence that will border the 18th Street pedestrian bridge.

September 15, 2010 Public Meeting Summary

Bill Mosher opened the meeting with a brief statement of project progress schedule. He stated that the transit architecture was 95% complete, and the public realm (landscaping) architecture was 50% complete. Overall the project is 20% complete. The Light Rail Terminal is 60% complete, and the bus box is 20% complete. The relocation of AMTRAK will be complete by February 2011.

Next Jim Gast of AECOM spoke to the design of the 18th Street pedestrian bridge and the DUS canopy. The 18th Street pedestrian bridge is a 15’ wide straight walkway from the north Wynkoop Plaza to the future B-block building on Wewatta. The L leg of the bridge to Wewatta has been eliminated and replaced with stairs, elevator and bikeway at the site of the B-block building. This will provide pedestrian access to both 17th and 18th streets. Currently the design shows an 8’ stainless steel fabric fence bordering both sides of the bridge. The DUS canopy will provide cover between the historic station and the train shed. It will stand alone and not touch the historic station. To provide clearance for emergency and service vehicles, the design currently has a 12” encroachment into the view plane of the west side of the station. The roof will be made of a non-transparent opaque material.

Mary Margaret Jones and Ken Haines of Hargreaves next addressed the current design of the public realm. Mary Margaret stated that money saved from a shortened 18th Street pedestrian bridge would allow for the use of stone versus precast concrete in certain places on the Wynkoop Plaza. Concrete pavers would still be used in highly trafficked corridors. Granite would be used to define “a room within a room” on both the north plaza (incorporating the bosque area) and the south plaza (incorporating the fountain area). (As stated in the previous article, these stone and paver options are current on display in the south plaza.) She next spoke to a design change proposed by the City for parking on the west side of Wynkoop Street between 16th and 18th streets. This would require an encroachment into the plaza area to accommodate drop-off and vehicle parking for taxies, buses and cars. Another design refinement is that seat walls are to be spaced 15’ apart, instead of 12’, to facilitate pedestrian flow. When asked about event space on the south plaza, Mary Margaret stated that with the fountain off there would be an area of approximately 120’ by 50’ that could accommodate a stage (under the trees) and 1000 chairs.

Ken Haines addressed lighting and vegetation. Regarding lighting, column lights will be used throughout the project except for Wynkoop Plaza. Up-lights will be used on the Wynkoop Plaza trees and for the LRT tubes. The lights on Wynkoop Plaza will be painted metal, probably gray in color. LEDs will be used to highlight certain features such as the fountain and the base of benches. There will be under-lights on the 17th Street Garden seat walls. The trees under consideration for the Wynkoop Plaza include Lace Bark Elms along the street and Ginkgo trees spaced 22’ apart within the plaza. Initial plantings on the plaza will be trees of 4” to 4 ½” caliper.
The meeting ended with Bill Sirois describing RTD’s process to assess uses and governance/management issues for the historic station. (See 9/2/10 DUSPA report).

September 22, 2010 DUS Construction Update from our Roving Reporter

Most of the July and August newsletter updates were devoted to describing the early stages of construction of the bus terminal floor. Only one month later, that floor is nearly complete. At least 16,000 cubic feet of concrete have been poured. As you can see in the photo, there is only one section remaining.

The new story is the construction of the bus terminal walls. So far, ten wall sections have been poured. Each section is 19 feet high, 50 feet long, and two feet thick. It appears that 20-25 more sections will be needed to enclose the current floor space.

Two rows of 40 pillars rise from the center of the floor. Each pillar will be 12 feet high. So far, the pillars are made only of rebar, but they start to define the separation of the passenger area in the center from the bus-travel area around the perimeter of the terminal.

Twenty-eight foundations for the canopy support posts at the new light rail station have been built, and two of the support posts have been installed. Those posts are the first examples of non-concrete construction. Handicap ramps are currently being built at each end of the line of foundations. Dirt is being trucked in to create a base for the light rail tracks. Soon, rails will be welded together on site in preparation for laying the tracks at the station.

Remember to go to Denverinfill.com/blog/ for frequent updates and photos of the project.

September 22, 2010 Inaugural USA Tour of the DUS Project

In a co-sponsored event with LDDI and LoDoNA, Union Station Advocates conducted a birds-eye tour of the Union Station Project from the balcony of the Anstey’s unit in the Glass House. Despite rainy weather, the view of the project was spectacular and the 40+ attendees appreciated the overview presentations and Q&A sessions conducted by Ken Schroeppel and Rick Anstey. Starting in October, DenverInfill, in conjunction with USA, will be conducting semi-monthly tours of the project. More information about upcoming October tours will be available through www.denverinfill.com/blog or the www.unionstationadvocates.org website.

To download this News Summary in PDF format, please click here.

USA August 2010 News Summary

2010-09-02T13:12:00.004-06:00

This month’s USA News Summary reports on the August 5, 2010 DUSPA meeting and includes a schedule of public meetings for the next several months. USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field has provided an informative report on construction progress including a recent photo of the in-process bus box and light rail terminal.

August 5, 2010 DUSPA Summary

TIFIA/RRIA LOAN UPDATE

The loans closed on July 23. Both closed with lower interest rates than anticipated. DUSPA is now working on reporting and compliance details.

OWNER REPORT

There will be a new construction schedule issued in the next 30 days. The project is now 18.5% complete. The Light Rail Platform is 30% complete, the Bus Box is 17% and the Streets and Plazas are 16% complete. The 100% completion date has been moved up a month to April 2014 from May 2014. There are 46 months of construction left in the schedule. There have been 521 consecutive work days accident free.

Design will be 100% complete by October for everything but the public realm.

Concrete pours have started and there will be 15 separate pours each needing 110 to 130 concrete trucks. The pour days commence at 3:30 a.m.

The east platform wall is 100% done. The utility relocations are going well.

The USA resolution was distributed to the board members and they were told that the design of the pedestrian bridge was being refined.

Ground water remediation is still a challenge, but they continue to be in compliance yet are trying to become more efficient.

An asbestos survey of the site was done. There are two areas of remediation that are unavoidable. One is the storm line through the north parcel and the other is the waterproof wrap around the pedestrian tunnel.

A revised budget was handed out. There will be a quarterly review of the budget from here on out.

The next DUSPA board meeting will be a tour of the construction site. Starting in September the meetings will be reduced to once a month on the 1st Thursday.

August 24, 2010 USA Construction Update from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field

Since the July newsletter, much progress has been accomplished. Most notable is the construction of the elaborate rebar structure that will provide strength for the floor of the bus terminal.

Multiple flatbed tractor trailers have been delivering loads of rebar each a day for several weeks. Much of it is 60-feet long #10, which is 1.25 inches in diameter and 4.3 pounds per foot. Each piece weighs 258 pounds. After the rebar is unloaded and staged, the crane “flies” it into the specific work spot at a rate of 2.5 tons per flight. The base level of rebar is the typical raw steel. Vertical pieces of green, epoxy-coated rebar are shaped like an upside-down V. Straight, green pieces are tied to the top of the vertical pieces to form a giant three-dimensional grid. Sheets of membrane material that are being installed over the concrete mud slab and under the rebar will adhere to the bottom of the new concrete floor, making the terminal water proof.

Four of 17 sections of the bus terminal concrete floor have been poured. Each section requires 100-140 trucks delivering 1,000-1,400 cubic yards of concrete. The floor is very thick (four feet) to be sure that it will not float once the dewatering system is dismantled and the ground water rises back to its normal level.

Work also continues on other segments of the project. Concrete forms for the bus terminal walls are being constructed and staged along the sides of the hole. Foundations for the new light rail tracks and passenger platform are still being constructed and foundations for the catenary system (overhead electric lines for the light rail) are being installed. Foundations for the elevators and escalators have been completed. Interior renovations of the temporary Amtrak station at Wewatta and 21st streets are nearing completion and work has begun on retaining walls adjacent to the current passenger tracks near the Union Station building.

Remember to go to Denverinfill.com/blog/ for frequent updates and photos.

DUS Construction Celebration Planned for September 7

The Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver Union Station Project Authority and City and County of Denver will host a Denver Union Station Construction Celebration on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at 1:30 P.M. Governor Bill Ritter, Mayor John Hickenlooper, RTD Chairman Lee Kemp and General Manager Phil Washington will make remarks.

Denver Union Station is the centerpiece of the RTD’s FasTracks transit expansion program and will serve as a multimodal hub for the region. The project will generate thousands of jobs and add more than $3 billion into our state's economy over the next decade, creating jobs and improving transportation mobility choices. With the unique financing structure completed, construction on the transportation facilities is in full swing.

The public is invited to attend and celebrate this remarkable public-private partnership and the impact it will have on our region for generations to come.

RTD Historic Station Building Task Force Update

The following is the update provided to the RTD Board recently concerning RTD’s analysis of the historic Union Station and their process for its future restoration and reuse:

RTD DUS Historic Building Task Force

Meeting since March to develop information for RTD Board decision on long‐term interest in DUS future uses and management

Union Station Neighborhood Development Company (USNC)

Contracted with Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA) to develop an assessment of building infrastructure requirements, potential future uses, and capital/operating cost estimates

DUS Historic Structures Assessment (Historic Denver)

Analysis of critical deficiencies and solutions required to rehabilitate, restore or preserve the historical features of the building

Study timing

Important to keep pace with existing DUS construction and to prepare for infrastructure investments needed to support use or current condition

Public investment required

Developing a common understanding of building and investment required for redevelopment is important in weighing viability of future uses

Amtrak facility requirements

Requirement under any scenario to have space for Amtrak to move back into the building

Open process

Stakeholder /public involvement important because of interest and historic importance of the building

Develop goals/objectives for process

Overall goals/objectives to use for framing ultimate Board decision. Steps to develop recommendation for Board:

1. Develop understanding of building through use of USNC ‘s Technical Assessment and Historic Structures Assessment

2. Evaluate types of uses that would be viable for the building

3. Look at options for dealing with capital and ongoing operating costs and evaluate ownership/governance options for the building

Solicit public/stakeholder input

Conduct series of meetings to introduce analysis, solicit input, shape alternatives, display preliminary findings for comment

Third party review

Independent consultant/expert panel to provide feedback to the Board on USNC’s analysis and recommendations from process Provide staff recommendation with feedback and input from process for a RTD Board decision

Next Steps

Aug 24 - RTD Board; process overview/kick‐off

Sept 2 - DUSPA Board: process overview, goals/objectives

Late Sept/early Oct - Initial public meeting

Oct. 5 - FasTracks Monitoring Committee update

Oct/Nov - Stakeholder meetings: ID potential uses, viability

Dec. 7 - FasTracks Monitoring Committee update

December - Stakeholder meetings: review potential uses, governance, costs

Jan. 4 - FasTracks Monitoring Committee update

January - Final public meeting

Feb. 1 - Findings/staff recommendation to Board

Feb. 15 - Board action

Membership Renewal Time

Time to renew your USA membership! Please help us out by renewing your membership today. The easiest way is to renew by credit card or PayPal on our website. Please go to:

http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html

Thank you for your continued support!

To download a PDF of this news summary, click here.

USA July 2010 News Summary

2010-08-06T14:39:00.004-06:00

The big news this month is the signing of the USDOT loan documents for the Union Station project. See News Release immediately below. Also herein are reports on the July 8 and 16 DUSPA meetings and construction progress from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field.

July 23 News Release

Denver Union Station Project Authority Closes
Two Loans with U.S. Department of Transportation

LOANS COMPLETE FUNDING PACKAGE FOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

DENVER – The Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the closing today on a $145.6 million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan and a $155 million loan under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF) for Denver Union Station (DUS). DUS is the centerpiece of the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) FasTracks transit expansion program and will serve as a multimodal transportation hub for the region.

“We are delighted the Department of Transportation found a creative way to use different loan programs to help fund the Denver Union Station redevelopment,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper. “This project will generate thousands of jobs and put more than $3 billion into our state’s economy over the next decade. We are grateful to the Department of Transportation for helping us invest in Colorado’s future and improving transportation options for everyone who lives in and around the metro area.”

The loan closings guarantee the completion of the public transportation infrastructure of the redevelopment including a 22 bay underground bus facility, a light rail station for current and future light rail routes, a commuter rail station that will serve Amtrak and the East, Gold, North Metro and Northwest Rail commuter rail lines, extension of the 16th Street Mall Shuttle and public plazas to integrate transit service with adjacent neighborhoods. “The DUS project is the most important economic development initiative for the City of Denver and the State of Colorado. It has taken commitment and determination from very dedicated Board members, city and RTD leadership, staff and other stakeholders for this project to move forward and it has been worth every step,” said DUSPA Board President Elbra Wedgeworth. “This is a remarkable achievement for DUSPA and our partners.”

The DUS project represents the first time the two federal loan programs have worked together to fund a major infrastructure project. By working with the DOT, the interest rates on the loans are slightly below 4%, well below what could have been secured in the tax-exempt capital markets.

“This transaction has had many loan structuring challenges due to the prospective nature of the tax-increment revenues,” said Claude Pumilia, Denver’s chief financial officer. “We met this challenge by tailoring debt service to our future revenues and using the cash flow to create additional reserves to act as a safeguard, while still meeting the loan repayment criteria.”

In addition to the federal loans, funding for project includes money from state and federal grants and allocations from the FasTracks program.

“Today’s announcement ensures Denver Union Station will be ready when our new transit corridors are completed,” said RTD Chairman Lee Kemp. “This is a critical step in helping deliver the voter-approved FasTracks program that will greatly improve mobility around our region.” Early construction work including utilities relocation and excavation of the regional bus facility has been underway since 2009. The RTD Board approved bridge funding to DUSPA to allow DUS construction to advance while the project awaited approval of the federal loans.
The DUSPA was formed by the City and County of Denver in July 2009 to serve as the financing and contracting entity for the transportation improvements at DUS, through a partnership with RTD, the city, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the DUS Metropolitan District.

July 8 and 16 DUSPA Meeting Summaries

TIFIA/RRIF Loans: Legal documents required for closing were approved by the board in a special board meeting on July 16th. It is expected that the loan close sometime during the week of July 19th.

At the July 8th meeting a quarterly draft budget was distributed. It was stated that an updated budget would be distributed every quarter. The budget reflects a total project cost of approximately $481 million dollars. So far there have been 10 change orders to the project with an 11th pending and $4.4 million of the $18.5 million contingency has been used.

The Owner Representative Report included the following construction updates:

- The ground water permit was re-issued two weeks prior to deal with the high iron content. Samples will be taken each Friday and the findings will be averaged monthly. The first tests show that the mitigation measures are working.
- The placement of mud slabs that go down prior to the slab on grade has commenced.
- Waterproofing has started
- Work continues on the Light Bulb Building (Amtrak temporary location)
- Light Rail platform work continues with pouring of foundation walls.

A new based schedule is being prepared reflecting the April 28th Notice To Proceed.

The draft DUS Historic Structures Assessment Report has been completed and submitted to the Owner Representative. This report identifies the improvements that are required to upgrade the building.

July 23, 2010: Report from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field

As reported last month, upgrading the dewatering system to remove high amounts of iron from the ground water brought the project to a halt. After about three weeks, the problems were solved and construction resumed in late-June.

The most recent progress is depicted in the photo below. In the past month, a 6-inch thick mud slab (concrete floor) has been poured over most of the bottom of the bus terminal hole. The purpose of the slab is simply to give the Kiewit construction crew a solid, flat surface upon which to work on building the foundation, which serves as the floor, for the bus terminal. In the center of the photo below is a large white square. That is the concrete mud slab, about half of which is covered with a water proof membrane. Further up the photo is a darker area. That’s concrete covered with the membrane and also covered with a dense amount of rebar. As mentioned in last month’s report, the bus terminal floor will be 4-feet thick. Combining that amount of concrete with tons and tons of heavy-duty rebar (it takes three workers to carry one piece of rebar) will make for a very solid foundation.

Referring again to the photo below, please notice foundations for the two escalators and the sole elevator. They are inside the area covered by the concrete mud slab. Those escalators and the elevator, of course, will eventually carry passengers between the below-grade bus terminal and the street level plaza.

It is difficult to pick out in the photo, but surrounding the mud slab are a 4-foot high concrete forms. They are being installed in preparation for pouring the concrete bus terminal floor on the mud slab, after the membrane and rebar are completed. It will be interesting to watch tens of thousands of cubic yards of concrete flowing into that hole.

Work also continues on the new light rail station and light rail tracks along the consolidated main line (the freight tracks). Likewise, there is ongoing progress on the temporary Amtrak terminal at 21st and Wewatta streets. Visually, those two construction sites are far less dramatic than the bus terminal site.

The best places to view the project are the two pedestrian bridges: the Millennium Bridge and the nearby Union Gateway Bridge. If you like big construction activity, be sure to watch Denverinfill.com/blog/ for information on when the concrete will start pouring into the massive floor.

Membership Renewal Time!

Time to renew your USA membership! Please help us out by renewing your membership today. The easiest way is to renew by credit card or PayPal on our website. Please go to:
http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html
Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF copy of this month's news summary, please click here.

USA June 2010 News Summary

2010-06-28T11:18:00.002-06:00

This month’s News Summary provides reports on the June DUSPA meeting and two construction updates, one from the official source (DUSPA) and one from our Roving Reporter in the Field. The official construction report for June can be found at the end of this News Summary or at: http://www.denverunionstation.org/.

Based on a reader’s comment last month, USA will henceforth attempt to provide a schedule of upcoming (next 30 days) public meetings that have relevance to the Union Station project. In that light, the next DUSPA meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2010 and the next Planning Board meeting is July 7, 2010. The unresolved issues related to the pedestrian bridge from the North side of the Wynkoop Plaza to Wewatta Street will be address at this next Planning Board meeting.

June 10, 2010 DUSPA Report

Reports from DUSPA meetings are included in DUS Construction Reports in the official DUSPA communiqués, which for this and future USA News Summaries will be shown at the end of our monthly News Summaries. If USA makes public comments at future meetings, we will report on the DUSPA Board responses in the next monthly USA News Summary.

June 16, 2010 Planning Board Report

The meeting addressed two issues related to the Denver Union Station project - the connecting canopy and the pedestrian bridge. The connecting canopy and encroachment into the view corridor were approved by LPC and Planning Board on May 5. The pedestrian bridge was split into two parts. The LPC will review the stair as part of the final review of the North Wing Building, expected late this year. The bridge itself was assigned to the Planning Board. Ellen Ittelson of Denver’s Community Planning and Development had submitted in May several reservations related to the bridge. These items have been continued several times and was continued again to July 7. Link to Planning Board meetings: http://www.denvergov.org/PlanningBoard/tabid/431851/Default.aspx

June 17, 2010 “Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” Movie Event

On June 17th USA is co-hosted a film event with the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Planning Association. It was an ideal time for USA members to learn more the social uses of public spaces and, in particular, the proposed public spaces at DUS. The following are the questions (Q), answers (A), and comments (C) made during the discussion that followed the film:

17th Street Promenade:

Q: Does the structure for the bus box allow for adequate fill for plantings? A: Yes, there is approximately 4 ½’ of fill.

Q: Where are the air vents: A: At the light rail plaza

C: Not sure what is going to compel (pull) people into the garden rooms from the wide sidewalk.

C: The linear gardens don’t read so much as rooms as corridors. Perhaps they should be broken up more and made bigger or even create notched areas that make them feel and read more like rooms.

C: Perhaps there should be mountable curbs rather than hard edge curbs and it would be great if the road surface either matched the sidewalk material to create a wall to wall feel. And if that is impossible, than something nicer than asphalt.

C: The movie showed how corners and steps really made great seating areas. Shouldn’t these be incorporated into the plan?

C: Have you considered getting Denver Urban Gardens involved? Perhaps one of the garden rooms could be an urban farming/community garden area. You could lease the space to residents, or create a program that would hire the homeless to maintain it.

C: Will the rooms be flexible, i.e. reconfigurable?

C: Can artwork be placed in the rooms and that may be a reason why they should be reconfigurable.

C: Children’s areas should be considered like permanent hopscotch or a chess board. Something like the Cherry Creek Mall children’s play area.

C: The rigid configuration does not allow for playful meandering throughout the gardens. It would also be fun to peer into the bus box below through the skylight and see the activity. Something like the church window in the film.

C: The rhythm of the linear gardens needs to be broken up by creating something in the center.

C: Need more seating at the edges.

C: Need a zone(s) where people can sit and see each other that encourages interaction.

C: The whole design needs more surprise and engagement rather than being so rigid.

Q: Can there be a water feature? A: No, the structure below does not allow for it.

C: Another idea instead of water is lighting that is reactive to people. Like the ground plane bubble game at the Art Museum.

C: The landscape palette should be designed to offer year round interest.

C: The design is too regimented. Maybe it should be more organic with curves.

Wynkoop Plaza:

C: Ground floor retail needs to be something interactive, not like a bank lobby.
Q: Have sustainable strategies been considered in the design, like water reuse? A: Yes, the fountain recirculates the water.

Q: What about solar power? A: Don’t know about what has been decided on that.

Q: What is the height of the south wing building because perhaps the landscaped side and the plaza side should be reversed: A: 65’ and the south side is the sunniest based on extensive sun and shade pattern study.

C: Perhaps there should be a pathway through the fountain to allow for traffic flow even when it’s on.

Q: Can some evergreens be integrated into the landscape palette. A: No, there are some evergreens on the 17th Street Promenade, but they want the Wynkoop Plaza to be sunny in the winter.

C: There should be good advance planning on the public art component and not just end up with “plop” art at the end of the day. And it should be kid playable.

C: Concern expressed about the sense of arrival and integration of the design and paving materials especially into the context of the site, including the buildings on the other side of Wynkoop.

C: The paving needs to be of the highest quality, not just concrete.

C: The film illustrated that people like to be near the edges and not in the middle, so why put permanent benches in the bosque of trees. They only create barriers.

C: There needs to be more porosity in general.

C: If the fountain is turned off in the winter, there will be nothing in that space. A: The designers are working to make the fountain work year round.

C: The two lines of trees at the plaza edge next to the street will block the view between the street and station building. A: The trees will be spaced widely enough with some gaps to allow for views.

C: The worst experience on the site is the travel path down the stairs. Need to improve that.
C: Carry the paving materials of the plaza onto the crosswalks on the street and on street in front of entrance to station building.

Q: What will be the format/timing for on-going discussion? A: Not sure, but it needs to happen. In particular need feedback on plant selection. DUSPA responsible for public outreach. Space at 30% design. City has yet to approve.

Q: When is Hargreaves back in town to present next revision? Thought it was supposed to be in June. A: Good question and don’t know.

Q: Isn’t there suppose to be a local L.A. on board to help with the plant selection? A: Yes, but there is not one selected at this time.

C: Hargreaves has actually done quite a bit of work in Denver and probably knows about plants that do well in this climate.

Q: How does the public space design integrate with Fastracks? A: The public realm is actually primarily the pedestrian circulation space on the site to facilitate the transit function of the site. But it is also an amenity for the public.

June 22, 2010: Report from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field

First the good news. The photo below compared to the photo in the May 2010 News Summary shows that much has been accomplished in the past month. Excavation has been completed for the first phase of the bus box hole. The 25-foot-deep hole has been dug from the center of Wewatta Street to within 50 feet of the Consolidated Main Line (freight tracks). In this month’s photo, you can see a semi-paved material staging area and a roadway into and along the side of the bus box hole. The roadway will be used as a pathway for the giant crane that it sitting in the staging area. The crane will lift materials from the staging area into the hole to build the structure of the bus terminal.

The retaining walls for the new light rail station have been completed, and foundation work is in progress for the station and light rail tracks.

Work continues on the temporary Amtrak terminal, tracks, and passenger platform at Wewatta and 21st streets. Partitions are being built and utilities are being upgraded inside the terminal. Foundations have been put in place near the tracks, probably for the platform.

Now for the bad news. The dewatering system, which pumps out ground water, cleans it, and dumps it in the river, was overwhelmed by the high iron content of the water. As a result, Kiewit has installed a far larger system and has applied for a permit to use it. While the state ponders the application, work on the project was mostly suspended in early June.

Concrete forms were recently delivered so the four-foot-thick bus terminal floor will probably be built as soon as the dewatering system is fired up, the hole is drained, and work resumes.

Please remember, you can get updates on the project multiple times a week at the DenverInfill Blog.

June 2010 Official Denver Union Station Project Update (from DUSPA)

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN FULL SWING

Construction activities for the Denver Union Station transit Improvements started in earnest in mid-February 2010, with utility relocations and establishment of a long-term traffic shift on Wewatta Street between 20th Street and 16th Street. Design and engineering for the project has been ongoing since May 2009.

Construction elements include:
- Underground Regional Bus Facility - 1,100 feet long, 22 bus bays
- Relocated light rail - Three sets of track, two platforms with canopies
- New relocated 16th St. Mall Shuttle turn around
- Commuter Rail Train Hall - eight sets of tracks, five platforms, 44,000 sq. ft.
- PTFE membrane canopy (similar to DIA roof)
- Public plazas and pavilions
- Street improvements

The construction boundaries are from 19th Street on the north to 16th Street on the south and from Union Station on the east to the consolidated mainline freight tracks on the west. Construction will be done in phases due to requirements to maintain street access, utilities, light rail service and 16th Street Mall Shuttle service. The phase in process now includes construction of the light rail tracks and platform at the west end of the project adjacent to the freight tracks, construction of the underground bus facility from the new LRT platform to Wewatta, and the construction of the temporary Amtrak Station. (Amtrak will operate out of a temporary facility on 20th and Wewatta from the autumn of 2010 until project completion.)

What has happened so far...

- Excavated 150,000 cubic yards of dirt for the underground bus facility.
- 65,000 cubic yards of dirt piled 45 feet high to be used to backfill around the bus facility when the structure is complete.
- At the deepest point, the hole is 26 feet deep.
- Support walls have been built at the west and east ends of the excavation to provide support. The north and south sides will be sloped back at a ratio of 2:1.
- Began dewatering of the construction area. In order to dig an excavation 26 feet deep, ground water must be pumped out so that the work area will be dry. Once the structure is complete and backfilled with dirt, the pumps will no longer be needed.
- Two 300-foot long retaining walls for the light rail tracks and platform have been built. The ground level for the LRT platform will be six feet higher than what is there currently and these walls will support the LRT and the new grade level.
- Eight different utility lines have been moved or installed. With any construction project, many water, sewer, electrical and communication utilities must be removed, installed or improved to current codes. This process will be ongoing.
- 7,700 feet of unused track and 4,000 ties have been removed.
- Remodeling of the building at corner of 21st and Wewatta for use as temporary Amtrak Station has started.

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

During the month of June, the excavation of the current phase of construction of the underground bus facility will be completed and the conveyor system will be demobilized. The soil stock piles will be sprayed with "DirtGlue," a tackafier to keep the dirt from blowing or eroding away.
Construction of the bus facility structure will begin. Crews are building a "laydown" yard using crushed rock and fabric to store equipment and materials as well as building a "road" for the cranes that recently arrived on site. The cranes will be used for moving rebar and forms, placing girders and pre-cast beams. By the end of June, underslab structures (lift stations and sand oil separator) will be complete and the mud slab will have started.

DUSPA NEWS

The Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA), comprised of eleven voting members and two non-voting members, continues to manage all finance, design and construction activities of the Denver Union Station redevelopment project. Recent progress includes:

- DUSPA executed a PRNS (Projects of Regional and National Significance) Agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
- The accounting firm BKD completed the 2009 audit and presented its report to the DUSPA Board of Directors on May 13th.
- The RTD Board of Directors approved an additional loan to DUSPA that will provide a local match for a state SB-1 grant awarded to the DUS Project. Between the RTD loan and the State grant about $8 million will become available and will allow DUS construction to advance through June while the project awaits receipt of the federal loans.

The next meeting of the DUSPA Board of Directors is Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 1:30 P.M. Meetings are held at the offices of Hogan Lovells, 1200 17th Street, Suite 1500.

PROJECT ASPIRES FOR LEED CERTIFICATION

With the concern in our society about "green" buildings and construction methods, the Denver Union Station Transit Improvement Project is working to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. LEED is a third-party certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Certification levels are determined by a point system for specific criteria:

- Sustainable Sites (SS)
- Water Efficiency (WE)
- Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
- Materials and Resources (MR)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
- Innovation and Design (ID)
- Regional Priority

The DUS project is one of the only multi-modal transit construction projects in the country seeking LEED certification.

One element for consideration is "Construction Waste Management." Instead of throwing all construction waste on-site into a single "Trash" dumpster, the debris is sorted by material type and placed in labeled bins that will be taken to local recycling facilities for re-use. To date, the project team has diverted 5,000 tons of construction waste from local landfills.

INTERESTED IN A DUS PRESENTATION? CALL THE PI TEAM.

Curious about the big hole being dug behind Union Station? Interested in learning about future transit improvements coming to LoDo? Wondering what the future Union Station Neighborhood will look like? Fear not, the DUS Public Information Team is available to make presentations or to facilitate "Learn at Lunch" brown-bag discussions. Please contact us at 303-592-5465 to schedule a presentation or if you have questions about the project.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

One of the best ways to get the latest information on the Denver Union Station redevelopment is to ensure we have your current email address. Our periodic e-updates will provide you with the latest information about the project. As full construction continues for the next four years, you will be able to stay on top of this exciting redevelopment project.

Website:
www.denverunionstation.org.

Email:
info@denverunionstation.org

Phone:
Construction information: Hunter Sydnor, 303-209-9822
General information: Roger Sherman, 303-592-5465

Membership Renewal Time!

For those of you that joined Union Station Advocates in early 2009, it is now time to renew your membership! Your continued support is much appreciated. Please keep an eye out for an email concerning your membership renewal or you can go to the USA membership webpage and renew today: http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html
Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

The Roundtables continue to be an effective and engaging meeting allowing our members to have informal discussions on important issues of the Union Station project. Led by USA board member and architect Levi Reeves, each Roundtable meeting provides the opportunity for attendees to discuss in-depth a topic associated with the Union Station project. A few days before each Roundtable, all USA members will receive an invitation via email for the upcoming meeting with an opportunity to RSVP.

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF copy of this news summary, click here.

USA May 2010 News Summary

2010-06-01T16:16:00.006-06:00

This issue contains updates on the Union Station project construction, plus reports of design meetings and decisions. There are also two corrections to the April 2010 News Summary provided by Tom Gougeon of Union Station Neighborhood Company. This News Summary starts with an invitation to a free event that USA is co-sponsoring.

You’re Invited! The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces – June 17, 2010

On June 17th USA is co-hosting the event described on the image below with the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Planning Association. This is an ideal time for USA members to learn more the social uses of public spaces and in particular about the proposed public spaces at DUS.

April 26 DUSPA Project Report

DUS Construction Update:

Construction is moving quickly at Denver Union Station as crews continue to excavate dirt on the site of the future underground regional bus facility. Crews also are continuing to remove old track from Wewatta St. Specific activities are listed below. To stay up to date with the latest construction information, become a subscriber to our e-updates. You can sign up by visiting the project website, www.denverunionstation.org. We appreciate your cooperation during these activities and apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

April 26:

-The track removal operations continue moving south between 16th St. and 14th St./South Platte River.

April 27 to 30:

-Remove unused track, ties and turn-outs along Wewatta St. between 16th St. and 15th St.

-Removed materials will be relocated to the north side of 16th St. into the DUS construction area.

-Flaggers will direct loaders across 16th St. in coordination with RTD's mall bus traffic and pedestrians.

April 30 to May 3:

-Remove track, ties and turn-outs along Wewatta St. between 15th St. and 14th St/South Platte River.

-Removed materials relocated to the north side of 15th St.

-Flaggers will direct loaders across 15th St. in coordination with traffic light.

-Traffic on Wewatta St. will be shifted to the west.

-Pedestrians will be directed to use the sidewalk on the south side of Wewatta St.

-Driveway/alleyway access from Wewatta St. adjacent to 1400 Wewatta St. will be closed during the day. Access will be open at night and over the weekend.

Weeks of May 3 and May 10:

-Track removal and ITS installation in the intersection of Wewatta St. and 15th St.

-This activity will require lane reductions and shifts to accommodate the work.

DUS in the News:

Have you missed a recent news article or blog posting about the Denver Union Station project? Check out the weekly DUS News Digest by visiting the Media Center at www.denverunionstation.org.

DenverInfill following DUS Project:

DenverInfill.com, a website and blog dedicated to the promotion of Denver's continued growth and revitalization through infill development and other aspects of quality urbanism, is now following the Denver Union Station project. Rick Anstey is the newest DenverInfill contributing blogger and will be blogging about DUS from his Glass House residence overlooking the project. To read Rick's updates, visit www.denverinfill.com/blog/

Where can I get more information?

One of the best ways to get the latest information on the Denver Union Station redevelopment is to ensure we have your current email address. Our periodic e-updates will provide you with the latest information about the project. As full construction continues for the next four years, you will be able to stay on top of this exciting redevelopment project.

Website:

www.denverunionstation.org

Email:

info@denverunionstation.org

Phone:

Construction information: Hunter Sydnor, 303-209-9822

General information: Roger Sherman, 303-592-5465

May 7, 2010 DUSPA Project Report

DUS Construction Update

Construction activities on 15th St. and Wewatta St. will be ongoing for the next week. Crews will be removing unused track and installing communication fiber. Motorists and pedestrians traveling in this area should use caution and be aware of construction activity.

Saturday May 8, 2010 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

-Crews will be removing unused track

-There will be various lane restrictions

-Traffic patterns will be changing throughout the day

Tuesday May 11, 2010 - Friday, May 14, 2010 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. each day

-Crews will be installing communication fiber

-There will be various lane restrictions

-Traffic patterns will be changing throughout the week

Saturday, May 15, 2010 6 a.m. - 5 pm (if needed)

-Crews will asphalt pave the area affected areas

-There will be various lane restrictions

Construction Update from our USA “Reporter on the Ground” (as of April 16)

Since April 16, the bus box hole has inched closer to the historic station. Lateral progress will stop once the hole reaches the new shoring wall at Wewatta Street. At that time, the hole will be dug deeper until it’s about 28 feet deep, which is about twice as deep as it is now. In the updated photo below, notice parts of a conveyor system in and around the hole. That system will be used to move dirt from the bottom of the hole to the top as the hole is dug deeper. The dirt will be piled in various places around the perimeter of the hole. Eventually, it will be used to raise the ground surface to the top of the light rail retaining wall (not pictured) near the Millennium Bridge and to backfill behind the concrete walls of the bus box.

The retaining wall at the new light rail station will enable the light rail tracks to be raised several feet above the adjacent freight tracks of the Consolidated Main Line. The new light rail station will be built to the north of the retaining wall, and another retaining wall will be built further north of the light rail station, all of it in a line parallel to the freight tracks.

Since the last update, about half of the passenger train tracks behind the historic station have been removed and hauled away. For now, the tracks used by Amtrak’s California Zephyr remain in place. However, preparation work has started on new, temporary tracks near the building that will become Amtrak’s temporary passenger terminal, which is immediately north of the spot where Wewatta Street passes over 20th Street.

Note: For official construction notices, sign up to receive project updates and notifications at: www.denverunionstation.org and, in the lower right corner of the home page, enter your email address, then click on GO. You can also follow along with DUS construction updates, including photos, at the DenverInfill Blog (www.DenverInfill.com/blog/)

Corrections to April 2010 USA News Summary

Two minor errors, submitted by Tom Gougeon, Principal and Chief Development Officer at Continuum Partners:

IMA will be occupying about 70,000 sq. ft. of space in the North Wing building initially, not 7,000. The North Wing building design is not 85% complete. I believe the reference was to the transit architecture and bus box elements being 85% complete. The North Wing is finishing schematic design at present, so is closer to 20-30% complete.

Thanks, Tom!

April 29, 2010 DUSPA Meeting Summary

Discussion Items:

TIFIA/RRIF Progress Report - the following items are remaining to finalize the loans and they are almost done:

a. FTA Compliance Agreement

b. Budget and Draw Schedule

c. Finalize the Rating

d. Legal Opinions

e. Supplemental Indentures for each loan

f. Sample Invoice and Draw Approval

Finance Committee Report -

a. There is a DRCOG grant in the amount of $2.5 million that was slated to be available in 2012. It’s now possible that DRGOC would consider the grant for Fall of 2010. A letter needs to be sent from the DUSPA board by May 12th agreeing to spend this money. Officially the money is available from DRCOG for improvements to facilities that relate to the North I-25 Bus/HOV lanes. The bus box at DUS certainly can fit into this category.

b. The agreement with the financial consultant was amended to reflect some additional costs and approved by the DUSPA board.

Owner Rep Report-

a. Construction Progress – excavation of the bus box continues. The tail track removal has begun. The Amtrak station relocation has begun.

b. Plans/Approvals - The recent Landmark Commission meeting went well and the next step is Planning Board on May 5th. The items remaining to be addressed include the 18th Street bridge, the DUS canopy and the final plaza plans.

c. The final project budget was presented and approved by the DUSPA Board. The final total project budget is $481 million. This final version includes moving $8.7 million from the unallocated contingency category to change orders. This leaves $10 million in the unallocated contingency category. This is only 2% of total budget, but since the plans are significantly completed there is less risk of cost overruns.

d. A first draw that will cover costs through end of March is being prepared so it can be submitted at loan closing.

May 5, 2010 - Joint Meeting - Denver Planning Board, Landmark Preservation Commission

At the joint Planning Board and LPC meeting on May 5, 2010, two issues were discussed:

-The canopy between the historic building and the train hall, which was approved with the latitude of up to a 2’ encroachment into the 17th Street view plane.

-The two staircases and the pedestrian bridge between the north side of the Wynkoop Plaza and Wewatta St. This later issue was approved WITH CONDITIONS by the LPC (for the Wynkoop Plaza staircase), but the bridge and the Wewatta staircase approval by the Planning Board was deferred to the May 19th meeting (which will also consider the exhaust vents at the LRT).

The staircase from the pedestrian bridge to the Wynkoop Plaza is to be an integral component of the North Wing Building. It was stated that the staircase and the pedestrian bridge colors would be compatible with this building.

There are several considerations related to the design of the pedestrian bridge and the Wewatta staircase that require additional attention. Kristopher Takacs of SOM will respond to them at the May 19 Planning Board meeting. Two of the major considerations are the use of steel mesh for the primary fence material that spans the pedestrian bridge over the tracks and the very utilitarian (industrial) design of the Wewatta staircase. Other considerations include:

-The concrete paving on the bridge itself (not yet selected)

-Incorporation of the transit architecture vocabulary

-The transition between the staircases and the bridge

-Treatment of the west-end stairs and elevator

-Visual relief on the pedestrian bridge

-Integration of the bridge supports within the CRT platform

-The design shows a chiller attached to the west-end stairs that was questioned

Of interest was the possibility that a “kinetic plaza” could be added back in the future if desired and funded.

May 19, 2010 Denver Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board met to discuss open issues related to the Pedestrian Bridge from Wynkoop Plaza to Wewatta held over from the May 5th meeting. Considerations of these issues remained under review, so it was decided that these issues will not be addressed until the June 17, 2010 meeting.

The Planning Board did approve Urban Design package #2 which covered design issues from Wewatta Street to Denver Union Station including the Wewatta St. Pavilion, the CRT Train Hall, and the CRT platforms, vertical circulation and canopies.

Construction Update from our USA “Reporter on the Ground” (as of May 26)

As of May 26, 2010, literally mountains of dirt have been excavated in the past month from what will become the RTD bus terminal. Using a conveyor system, a giant bulldozer and an excavator, the hole was dug another 12-15 feet deeper. For two weeks or so, the conveyor system hoisted the dirt to form a mountain on the northeast side of the hole. In mid-May, the conveyor system was moved to the other end of the hole closer to Wewatta Street and excavation resumed. There is now a growing dirt pile to the southwest of the hole, near the intersection of 16th and Wewatta streets.

In the photo above, you can see the conveyor system, the bulldozer and the excavator hard at work. Most of the hole has reached its ultimate depth. You can also see that “sheet pile” has been driven vertically into the ground in the bottom of the hole, forming two boxes. The insides of the boxes will be dug out. The sheet pile will hold back dirt and ground water so that utilities can be installed in an area under the floor of what will become RTD’s bus terminal.

You may wonder how the bulldozer operator knows when to stop digging. It’s easy. Kiewit uses GPS technology to pin-point the exact location of the dozer with sensors mounted on the blade. The operator knows the precise depth of the hole at all times.

In early May, renovation of Amtrak’s temporary terminal began at a small white building located at the intersection of Wewatta and 21st streets. DRG Construction, which is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, is doing the work. Kiewit Construction has also started work on the temporary tracks for Amtrak’s California Zephyr across Wewatta from the temporary terminal. The terminal and the tracks are expected to be operational in the fall of 2010. At that time, Amtrak will move out of Union Station for the next 3-4 years.

Please remember, you can get updates on the project multiple times a week at http://denverinfill.com/blog/

Membership Renewal Time!

For those of you that joined Union Station Advocates in late 2008 or early 2009, it is now time to renew your membership! Your continued support is much appreciated. Please keep an eye out for an email concerning your membership renewal or you can go to the USA membership webpage and renew today: http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html

Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

The Roundtables continue to be an effective and engaging meeting allowing our members to have informal discussions on important issues of the Union Station project. Led by USA board member and architect Levi Reeves, each Roundtable meeting provides the opportunity for attendees to discuss in-depth a topic associated with the Union Station project. A few days before each Roundtable, all USA members will receive an invitation via email for the upcoming meeting with an opportunity to RSVP.

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

Click HERE for a PDF version of this monthly news summary.

USA April 2010 News Summary

2010-04-20T14:18:00.009-06:00

This issue continues to provide USA Members with reports of meetings related to the Union Station redevelopment project that occurred this month, plus adds a new feature regarding updates by our Reporter on the Ground monitoring the construction. Our Reporter provides a summary of activity between March 30th and April 13th in this News Update, but for those of you that want more frequent updates and lots more photos, we direct you to this link: www.denverinfill.com/blog where our Reporter on the Ground provides regular construction updates and a link to DenverInfill’s page at JobSiteVisitor where even more DUS photos are stored and accessible to the public.

We begin with reports on a DUSPA Meeting and ULI Conference, then move to the official DUSPA construction report, followed by our summarized report (with photos) from our Reporter on the Ground, and end with notice of an upcoming Landmark Preservation Commission meeting on April 20, 2010.

April 1, 2010 DUSPA Meeting

The public portion of the meeting was short as some of the principles were presenting at a ULI meeting (described below). A legal agreement with the City regarding the Lodgers Tax and Assignment for the TIF was mentioned in context of TIFIA/RIFF loan discussions. Also mentioned, construction is underway and the latest design for the Wynkoop Plaza will be presented to the board in a future meeting.

April 1 Urban Land Institute DUS Event

On April 1, the Colorado chapter of the Urban Land Institute held their quarterly Explorer Series meeting with Union Station as the focus. The program took an in-depth look at the entire DUS project and began with a panel discussion about the project at the Denver Athletic Club, followed by a tour of the DUS site with project experts, and finished with a hosted reception inside the historic station. Over 180 people were in attendance!

April 7, 2010 Official Construction Update from DUSPA

With the arrival of spring weather, construction of the Denver Union Station transit improvements is becoming more active. Some of the current activities you can expect to see over the next few weeks are:

- Crews are busy excavating dirt for the underground bus facility using 30- 45 trucks each day. This activity will go on for about 30 more days at which point the dirt will be stock piled on site instead of being hauled away.

- Pumping to lower the ground water level to allow for excavation to continue is on-going. There are 10 pumps running 24 hours a day.

- Crews are working on a retaining wall that will support part of the new light rail tracks near the Consolidated Main Line (CML).

- Utilities will be relocated east of Wewatta St. near 19th St.

- Unused commuter rail track will be removed starting at approximately 20th St and moving south towards 14th St. This work will take about 30 days.

Now more than ever, it's important for you to stay informed by becoming a subscriber to our e-newsletter, visiting the Denver Union Station Web site often and utilizing the tools that have been established to keep you updated on progress and impacts.

To get the latest information on construction, please visit the project's Web site at: www.denverunionstation.org.

Construction Update from our USA “Reporter on the Ground” (as of April 16)

Let’s begin with two photos. This first one was taken March 30:

And this one was taken on April 13:

A picture is worth a thousand words so two pictures must be worth, well, a lot more. This Union Station update will focus on the changes in these two pictures taken on March 30 and April 13. The most obvious progress is the size of the hole that will eventually be home to the underground RTD bus terminal. It’s commonly referred to as the bus box. The hole will be 1,200 feet long, 165 feet wide and 28 feet deep. The bus box will fit in that hole and will be somewhat smaller.

At the time of the second photo, the hole had nearly reached its eventual width. Excavation work is now focused on expanding the hole toward the historic station. Soon, Kiewit (the contractor) will begin digging the hole deeper. It appears that it is currently about 15 feet deep. To make it deeper, bulldozers will push dirt into a hopper. The hopper will deliver the dirt to a conveyer system which will raise it to the surface where it will be stored to be used later as backfill around the concrete bus box.

What follows will give you a sense for the complexity of this massive project. Towards the top of the second photo, you can see two tall pieces of equipment. One is a well driller; the other is a crane. The crane places 25-30 foot long i-beams into the hole made by the driller. As the bus box hole is dug, large boards are fastened to the vertical i-beams forming a wall that will shore up the sides of the hole to prevent collapse. The shoring wall will be along what was the center of Wewatta Street (the west side of the street was removed before the first photo was taken). The wall will go between the original water and sewer lines that ran under the west side of the street and the new, bypass water and sewer lines that were installed last summer under the east side of the street. Over the past few weeks, water and sewage have been diverted to the bypass pipes. As the hole is dug, the original pipes will be removed. The original pipes will be rebuilt over the top of the bus box and water, and sewage will be diverted back to the original route. Then the bypass pipes will be removed and digging will continue towards the historic station.

Meanwhile, there is plenty of other activity. Tracks are being removed from the area immediately behind the historic station. A retaining wall that will be part of the new light rail station is being built alongside the consolidated main line (the freight tracks) near the Millennium Bridge. The granite sidewalk has been removed along 16th Street between Wewatta Street and the Millennium Bridge.

The level of planning and coordination for this project is impressive and is resulting in a very efficient operation.

April 20, 2010 Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) Meeting

The next LPC meeting will address Denver Union Station. The meeting will include Hargreaves presenting the landscape concept for Wynkoop Plaza located east of the Station Building and architects Anderson Mason Dale and Semple Brown presenting the conceptual design for the North and South Wing Buildings. The presentation can be viewed at:

http://www.denverunionstation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75&Itemid=72

USA Plans Upcoming Meeting with Landscape Architects

On May 13th the Union Station Advocates will partner with the American Society of Landscape Architects and other local design and planning groups in showing William H. Whyte’s, classic film, The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Following the film we’ll facilitate an open discussion surrounding these design principles and how they may be applied to Denver’s Union Station. We’ll post all the event details at www.unionstationadvocates.org in the days to come. The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces: Whyte wrote that the social life in public spaces contributes fundamentally to the quality of life of individuals and society. He suggested that we have a moral responsibility to create physical places that facilitate civic engagement and community interaction.

Membership Renewal Time!

Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF of this News Summary, click here.

USA March 2010 News Summary

2010-03-31T13:21:00.003-06:00

In this issue, USA reports on the major events and meetings related to the Union Station Project that occurred in March, 2010. A new feature is USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field and his reports regarding the construction activity. Described in this News Summary are two significant meetings that took place in the latter part of the month, the March 22nd Roundtable and the March 25th Public Meeting regarding the Wynkoop Plaza Design.

Judge Denies ColoRail Temporary Injunction!

Read all about it in the Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_14700902

USA March Events and ULI Program in April

To highlight the loan approval and the start of construction for Denver’s Union Station transit project, USA sponsored two events in March, and we are promoting one in early April.

The March events were a DUS Loan Approval Celebration at Gumbo’s Restaurant on Wednesday, March 3rd to commemorate the Federal loan of $304 million for the DUS project, and the LoDo Premier of the Havey Productions’ film Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress at the Oxford Hotel Ballroom on Thursday, March 18th. The film program began with a reception and cash bar, followed by comments by Dana Crawford, the film, and closing comments by Jim Havey.

The April event is the Urban Land Institute Colorado – State of the Union, April 1, 2010, 1:30 – 6:30 PM, at the Denver Athletic Club – 1325 Glenarm Place. The program will provide an in-depth look at the entire DUS project. It will begin with a panel discussion about the project at the Denver Athletic Club followed by a Mall Shuttle ride down to Union Station, a tour of the site with project experts, and finish with a hosted reception inside the historic station.

Reports from USA’s Roving Reporter in the Field

Starting this month, the USA News Summary will include reports from our Roving Reporter in the Field (a USA member who has a bird’s eye view of the project). Here are the first reports:

At 7:26 the morning of March 17, 2010, the biggest of the Kiewit excavators started digging the hole for the bus box at the point where buses will enter and/or exit the box. At 7:00am there were 9 tractor-trailer dump-trucks lined up to haul away the dirt. It takes only three excavator scoops (about 2 minutes) to fill a truck. The trucks move the dirt only about a mile away so they make the round trip quickly enough that the excavator does not have to wait for returning trucks. I can see the dumping spot over the top of some commercial buildings to the east.

On Monday March 22nd, Kiewit brought in a second driller. For the past 7-10 days, the first one has drilled 35 holes 20-30 ft deep for vertical placement of i-beams along a line parallel to and 50 ft from the CML. I assume the i-beams will support the eventual shoring wall for the bus box hole. The second driller has not yet been used, but I assume they brought it in to speed up the drilling process.

The second driller went into action today, Thursday March 18th. Also on the 18th, I talked with three Kiewit employees for about 30 minutes this afternoon, and learned the following:

- The vertically-placed i-beams are for the shoring wall, as I suggested previously.

- The shoring wall will not surround the entire bus box hole. It goes along the entire CML side of the hole and turns the corner for about 100 ft onto the 16th St side. The rest of the hole will have sloping walls.

- Currently, they are using a huge excavator to remove the dirt and put it into dump trucks which haul it off site. Later, they will use bulldozers to push dirt into a hopper that will feed a conveyor system. Some of the dirt will be stockpiled on site to be used later for backfill behind the cement walls of the bus box.

- Based on the bus box dimensions provided by one of the construction supervisors, the hole will be 1300 ft by 165 ft by 25 ft. That's nearly 200,000 cubic yards of dirt to be removed. 54,000 cu ft of concrete will be used to build the bus box.

- Work began this afternoon to redirect water into the bypass water line that was installed on the Union Station side of Wewatta St last summer. The current water line will be removed and replaced once the bus box is dug. From the street level, one can see an excavator digging up the CML-side of Wewatta St.

- In two weeks, work will start on the new light rail station.

- The employees I talked with were working on a productivity study. They were timing various tasks ... load time for trucks, round trip time for trucks, drilling holes for i-beams, etc. The results of the study help to determine resource requirements for each task. Interesting!

Here's a run-down on dump truck activity as of March 22nd:

- At 7:10 this morning, there were 21 tractor-trailer dump trucks in a long queue, waiting for the excavator to get started.

- At 7:15, the first truck pulled away full of dirt.

- By approximately 7:25, that first truck had returned to the queue.

- At 7:41, the 21st truck (the last truck in the original queue) pulled away full of dirt.

- At 7:53, 30 trucks had been filled. It took 38 minutes to haul away 30 trucks of dirt.

- The interval between the time the excavator dumps the first bucket load of dirt into one truck and it dumps the first load into the next truck is only 75 seconds.

At peak times, there are 30 trucks per hour (or more) hauling dirt. However, the operation does not continue at that pace all day. The excavator is able to out-perform the supply of trucks so it keeps busy doing preparation work when the truck-queue runs dry. By 8:05, there were no trucks in the queue. I think there are traffic jams at the dumping location, where three more excavators are at work. I can see that location over the top of some commercial buildings on the other side of Park Ave.

Note: For official construction notices, sign up to receive project updates and notifications at: www.denverunionstation.org and, in the lower right corner of the home page, enter your email address, then click on GO. You can also follow along with DUS construction updates, including photos, at the DenverInfill Blog (www.DenverInfill.com/blog/)

March 4, 2010 DUSPA Meeting

The DUSPA meeting was short with little significant topics. Chad Fuller reported that TIFIA/RRIF loan agreements were in progress with loan disbursement expected by the end of March. A limited notice to proceed has been issued and work is progressing, in particular dewatering and storm sewer work. The bus box excavation is scheduled to begin March 15th. Bill Mosher discussed the DUS canopy and stated that they still had to finalize the design, which they are hoping to do by April 20th. He also stated that the design of the north building is 85% completed and plaza design is 15% completed.

March 18, 2010 DUSPA Meeting

The meeting started with a TIFIA/RRIF Progress Report and an update by Claude Pumilia, Chad Fuller, and Alex Brown.

Representatives from TIFIA and RRIF have toured the project and met with USNC. The project team is waiting for another draft of the loan agreements - TIFIA first followed the RRIF agreement which should parallel the language in TIFIA. The team plans to have a conference call with the rating agency to update them on the project in advance of submitting the final loan documents.

In the Finance Committee Report, the following agreements are in process:

- DUS Project Mill Levy Pledge Agreement
- DDA/TIF Agreement
- DUSPA/CPVMD Agreement – Construction of Improvements
- DUSPA/CPVMD Agreement – Second Amendment to Infrastructure Open Space

In the Owner’s Representative Report, Bill Mosher presented a project update and discussed Federal Compliance issues. The excavation had started. Also, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Amtrak is agreed to in principle, but still no signatures. Design work continues with a focus now on Wynkoop Plaza. In a public meeting, the design team is presenting the latest round of results on Thursday March 25th. Design of the plaza is coinciding with the design of the north and south wing buildings. These concepts are being presented to the Landmark Preservation Committee on April 20th.

March 22, 2010 USA Roundtable Report

On Monday, March 22, 2010, the monthly USA Roundtable took place at the offices of Union Station Neighborhood Company (USNC). Frank Cannon of USNC and Andy Nielsen of Anderson, Mason, Dale Architects presented the current status of plans for the two wing buildings to be constructed on the DUS plaza (alternately referred to as the Wynkoop Plaza).

Frank talked about the design review and approval process with the Landmark Preservation Commission which will start April 20, 2010 with a presentation (open to the public) for preliminary approval (mass and bulk) and culminate late summer for final approval (color palette and material board) of the North Wing Building (located on the 18th Street side of the plaza). Final approval for the South Wing Building (located on the 16th Street side of the plaza) will be held until later. Construction on the North building is slated to break ground in the spring of 2011.

The two wing buildings will not be identical, but the architecture/design will be coordinated. As Frank put it, “rather than identical twins, they should be ‘close relatives’.”

Anchor tenant, IMA Financial Group, will occupy 7000 square feet of the North wing building.

USNC is obligated to purchase the land for these wing buildings in 2010 and the site for the triangular building at 16th and Wewatta in 2011.

Plans for the parking garage on the site behind the Ice House garage have been downsized to accommodate the 160 spaces required for public parking.

Andy Nielsen of AMD showed a slide of the solar context for the two wing buildings. The North building will experience more sun; the South building will have less sun due to shade from the EPA building across 16th Street.

As he highlighted aspects of the current plans, he emphasized the governing Design Standards and Guidelines, as follows:

- Service areas shall not directly face the pedestrian or public spaces
- Building entry faces to be visible from the DUS plaza, Wynkoop and 16th Street
- Reduce the sense of bulk
- The new structures, public spaces and the station will work together as a powerful destination and urban ensemble.

The four-story South wing building will have extended underground parking to accommodate 104 spaces. The five-story North building will accommodate 120 spaces. These spaces will also be available for public use after business hours and on weekends. Issues associated with color, tone and materials are being considered in light of setting off (emphasizing) the historic station. The preferred ground floor uses of both buildings are food-oriented services, restaurants, and retail.

A DUSPA audit will be required for 2010. The Audit Committee will have a plan in place to meet the requirements.

March 25, 2010 Public Meeting on Wynkoop Plaza Design

Bill Mosher opened the meeting by describing the intended uses of the new wing buildings on the Wynkoop Plaza. He indicated that both buildings would accommodate office space (upper floors) and that the ground level would most likely be food and beverage type establishments. He also indicated that the wings of the historic station are slated for retail. He then framed the meeting to include four presentations as follows:

- Review of current public space framework – Mary Margaret Jones of Hargreaves
- Plans for new wing buildings – Andy Nielsen of Anderson, Mason, Dale
- Review of previous public comments – Ellen Ittelson of the City of Denver
- Three options for revisions of the public design – Mary Margaret Jones, Hargreaves

The slides presented by these speakers are available at: www.denverunionstation.org.
Following the presentations, the meeting opened to questions and comments. One comment, made by Mary Margaret, was that the design team has heard “loud and clear” from the public and the Peer Group that a red color tone for the paving should be seriously considered. Another comment related to the tree border along Wynkoop Street, which in the slide presentation appeared as a double line of trees. A suggestion was made that there should be visual openings in logical places along the street edge.

Membership Renewal Time!

For those of you that joined Union Station Advocates in late 2008 or early 2009, it is now time to renew your membership! Your continued support is much appreciated. Please keep an eye out for an email concerning your membership renewal or you can go to the USA membership webpage and renew today: http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html
Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

The Roundtables continue to be an effective and engaging meeting allowing our members to have informal discussions on important issues of the Union Station project.

Roundtable meetings are generally held the second and fourth Mondays of each month, and are open only to USA members and their guests. Led by USA board member and architect Levi Reeves, each Roundtable meeting provides the opportunity for attendees to discuss in-depth a topic associated with the Union Station project. A few days before each Roundtable, all USA members will receive an invitation via email for the upcoming meeting with an opportunity to RSVP.

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF of this News Summary, click here.

Union Station Film Premiere - A MUST SEE!!

2010-03-15T10:29:00.000-06:00

Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress – LoDo Film Premiere
Thursday, March 18, 2010
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Oxford Hotel Ballroom – 1637 Wazee

Did you miss the big premiere at the Hyatt in February of the new film about Union Station? Did you see the film already and loved it so much you want to see it again? Either way, you’re covered! Union Station Advocates, in cooperation with Havey Productions, is proud to present the LoDo premiere of the film Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress.

The program begins with a reception and cash bar, followed by the film and comments by Dana Crawford and Jim Havey. General admission is $15, or for $30 you can see the film and get the DVD, or for $60 you can see the film, get the DVD, and get a discounted membership to Union Station Advocates. What a deal! Click here to download a PDF flyer about the event.

USA February 2010 News Update

2010-02-28T06:01:00.006-07:00

Two public meetings related to the Union Station Project took place in February, one DUSPA meeting and one Landmark Preservation Commission meeting. Summaries are provided below. Notable also was the premier, attended by 800 people, of the film by Havey Productions, Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress. For those of you that missed this outstanding historic account of Union Station, Union Station Advocates in cooperation with Havey Productions invites you to view it on March 18, 2010. See invitation details below.

We start this News Update with an invitation to USA members and guests to a Social at Gumbo’s Restaurant to celebrate the great news of the approval of the Union Station project Federal loans. For more on the loan approval and the first building to go under contract, check www.unionstationadvocates.org.

March 3, 2010: Gumbo’s Social

The federal loans for the Union Station project have been approved! Please join Union Station Advocates for celebratory drinks and Louisiana fare at Gumbo’s on Wednesday, March 3rd from 5:30 – 7:00PM. Gumbo’s great drinks specials will be provided as well as complementary gumbo with any cocktail purchase. Gumbo’s is located on the 16th Street Mall at Wazee Street.

March 18, 2010: Film Invitation: Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress

Please join Union Station Advocates and Havey Productions in viewing the outstanding new film: Denver Union Station - Portal to Progress

From past glory to future promise, discover the legacy of a grand community icon and participate in the rebirth of Denver’s Union Station

Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 5:30 – 7:00 PM

The event will take place at the Oxford Hotel Ballroom - 1637 Wazee Street - Denver, CO. A cash bar will be offered. Prices are as follows:

$15.00 - General Admission

$30.00 – Admission, DVD of the film

$60.00 - Admission, DVD of the film, Union Station Advocates membership

Film introduction by Dana Crawford with a post-film discussion by Jim Havey. Proceeds will be used to further Union Station Advocates’ mission of assuring design excellence and enduring success of a redeveloped Station and its surrounding public realm.

Reservations – Purchase tickets by check to Union Station Advocates, c/o Tyler Reed, Treasurer, Frederick Ross Company, 717 17th St., Suite 2000, Denver, CO 80202 or online at www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership

To download a PDF of the March 18 Film Invitation, click here.

February 4, 2010 - DUSPA Meeting

Owner Representative Report by Bill Mosher:

A layout of the current bus facility plans has been posted to the DUSPA website: www.denverunionstation.org in order to facilitate discussion of the proposed change to remove the moving sidewalks.
There will be a joint meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) and the State Historical Preservation Society to review the proposed canopy designs for the canopy connecting the station to the train shed.
RTD has moved into Suite 250 of the station.
A Memo of Understanding (MOA) with Amtrak is under review covering a lease with the Stadium District related to the relocation of the Amtrak facility to the Light Bulb Supply building.
An assessment by Historic Denver of the renovation/improvement needs of the historic station will initiate the week of February 8th.
Under consideration is what entity might provide auditing service to DUSPA for its federal compliance reporting.

Private Development Report by Tom Gougeon of USNC:

The first two site acquisitions by USNC will be Block B in first quarter 2010 and Block A by the end of 2010. The triangular Block C is slated for 2011.
Regarding the current status of private development plans, IMA Financial has committed to lease the top four floors of the five-story building to be built on Block B (on the north side of the Wynkoop Plaza). The south building will be four stories. USNC is pursuing discussions with interested parties for two additional building sites in the Tax Increment Financing district. These three buildings could generate $4 Million in tax revenues to be applied toward repayment of the FTA loans.
Regarding parking, the two buildings to be constructed on the Wynkoop Plaza will each have two levels of parking which could be made available for public parking on evenings and weekends.
USNC is obliged to develop public space operations and management cost estimates, and a public infrastructure management plan and budget, participate in the station building assessment, and develop a budget and schedule for station renovations, develop a parking solution for the 19 acre site, assess bike station options, and assess tail-track options.
In order for USNC to obtain a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) for the north wing building, DUSPA will need to have developed a 20’ right of way in the public space on the south facing side of the building that would provide the required access to the main entry.

February 16, 2010 - Landmark Preservation Committee Meeting

The Landmark Preservation Commission met on Tuesday, February 16th to discuss the canopy connection between the historic station and the new train shed. Ellen Ittleson of the City wanted the Commission to seek a consensus on the placement of the canopy in order to avoid a conflict with State historical groups and other entities. Formal approval will take place at a later time.

Options were presented concerning a smaller footprint for the canopy, the structure itself with a lower arch than currently shown, and the use of a translucent membrane as a change from the white, denser fabric. The canopy options were attaching the canopy to the train hall (1A or 1B), or, the canopy as an independent structure two to three feet away from the DUS building (2A or 2B). The need for water drainage has been taken into consideration on all four corners of the canopy.

1A or 1B would use existing structure in place now and would be constructed to look like it was part of the past historic structure. 1B would require new interior columns. A question was raised as to the condition of the existing steel and the structural capability of the masonry wall. SOM has not investigated this issue.

DUSPA, with the advice of the Peer Review Committee, recommended 2A for the following reasons: the canopy does not touch the building; it provides transparency and is lighter in weight; and 2B requires a larger structure to be built.

The Commission reached the consensus that option 2A was the preferred alternative for SOM to pursue. It was stated that people are concerned about the canopy attaching to the building. The canopy is to be made as transparent as possible to achieve the least intrusive impact while conforming to the original historical structure.

Membership Renewal Time!

It is now time to renew your membership! Renewing your membership is easy, just go to: http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html

Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

The Roundtables continue to be an effective and engaging meeting allowing our members to have informal discussions on important issues of the Union Station project.

Roundtable meetings are generally held the second and fourth Mondays of each month, and are open only to USA members and their guests. Led by USA board member and architect Levi Reeves, each Roundtable meeting provides the opportunity for attendees to discuss in-depth a topic associated with the Union Station project. A few days before each Roundtable, all USA members will receive an invitation via email for the upcoming meeting with an opportunity to RSVP. The Roundtable committee is currently identifying agenda topics for the next series of Roundtable meetings coming this fall. If you have a suggestion for a Roundtable meeting, please send us an email to info@UnionStationAdvocates.org

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF version of this newsletter, please click here.

It's a Celebration!!

2010-02-18T11:37:00.004-07:00

The Federal Loans for the Union Station Project have been approved! Please join the Union Station Advocates for celebratory drinks and Louisiana fare at Gumbo’s on Wednesday, March 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30PM. Gumbo’s great drink specials will be provided as well as complementary gumbo with any cocktail purchase. Gumbo's is located on the 16th Street Mall at Wazee Street.

In an effort to raise awareness of the Union Station Advocate's and increase our membership base, we're looking forward to a great turnout. With that, please pass this invitation on to others as all are welcomed.

Film Premiere: during the cocktail hour we'll announce the details for another showing of Havey Production's Union Station: A Portal to Progress! If you have yet to see this film this is your second chance to learn more about Denver's history and the importance of our Historic Union Station.

Look forward to seeing you all there!!

USA January 2010 News Update

2010-02-01T08:36:00.003-07:00

This News Update includes USA reports on two DUSPA meetings and a City Planning Board meeting. It also references links to two Denver Post articles this month regarding Union Station project matters, and provides a brief update regarding the ColoRail lawsuit.

But first is the following announcement of the February 5th National Film Premier: Denver Union Station – Portal to Progress.

Union Station Film Premier

Announcement: From Havey Productions, creators of Colfax Avenue: Main Street Colorado, and Downtown Denver: Heart of the Queen, comes a new documentary film about one of the most recognizable buildings in Denver: Union Station.

The film premiers on February 5, 2010, at the Convention Center Hyatt Regency for the National Film Premiere of Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress. The event is being produced in association with Colorado Preservation, Inc. as the culmination of their Saving Places Conference. The premiere is open to the public.

Proceeds from this event will be used to distribute the film to 2000 public schools and libraries throughout Colorado. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this celebration of the past glory and future promise of a grand community icon, Denver Union Station: Portal to Progress.

Patron level tickets are available for $100. The Patron Reception starts at 5:30 P.M. and includes a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres. General admission ($15) starts at 6:00 P.M. with remarks and the film presentation commencing at 7:00 P.M.

REGISTRATION

For more information or to register to receive an invitation to the film premiere visit

www.coloradopreservation.org. Also, see the Events page of the USA website:

www.unionstationadvocates.org/events

Denver Post Articles

Links to two January 2010 Denver Post articles related to Union Station:

Denver City Council votes to back up federal loan for Union Station By Christopher N. Osher The Denver Post

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_14268277#ixzz0dwYB65J0

RTD officials steamed over proposal to cut moving walkways from Union Station overhaul By Jeffrey Leib The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_14275638#ixzz0dwXYqeT0

January 7, 2010 – DUSPA Meeting Minutes

I. KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. TIFIA/RRIF Progress Report and Update – Claude Pumilia/Chad Fuller/Alex Brown

B. Owner’s Representative Report – Bill Mosher/Mike Sullivan

i) Update regarding Project Progress

ii) Update regarding U.S. Department of Transportation Budget Submittal

iii) Correspondence from Stuart A. Ohlson, AIA

II. ACTION ITEM: Approval of U.S. Department of Transportation Budget Submittal

USA Report:

TIFIA/RIFF report by Claude Pumilia

The current target for negotiations to be complete is March 2010. The DOT loan application will be submitted to the Credit Council at the end of January 2010.

Owner Representative Report by Bill Mosher:

The latest projected date for the Notice to Proceed on the project is April 5, 2010.

Stuart Ohlson submitted an alternative proposal for the bus box which the DUSPA board reviewed. They decided to stay with the current plan.

Construction Update:

Activities include profiling the soil (contamination was found, but there were no hazardous conditions), negotiating the MOA with Amtrak, and refining the smoke evacuation plans for the bus box, Other matters mentioned were that RTD is setting up a project management office in Suite 250 of the station, all permits are ready, and there will be update presentations to the City Council/FASTRACKS committee and to RTD at their retreat. It is expected that the issue of the moving sidewalks in the bus concourse will be discussed in these update meetings. At some date in late January USNC will present their plans for the new 16th and 18th Street wing buildings on Wynkoop Plaza. Also, there will be a presentation to the City Planning Board regarding the public realm design on January 20, 2010.

January 20, 2010 – Planning Board Meeting Summary

USA report:

The City Planning Commission met regarding the encroachment into the 17th Street corridor area on the west side of DUS, DUS Urban Design Package #2. Prior to the opening of the meeting the West Washington Park HOA president spoke on behalf of her own personal opinion regarding light rail. She stated that 99% of people don’t live within a ½ mile of a light rail station and they don’t know how to use it. She stated that people need to be educated on the usefulness and convenience of light rail and then the electorate may be more inclined to support it.

Permitted Encroachments: The encroachment was reviewed within the criteria for consistency of the DUS Standards and Guidelines– massing and form, character, entries, accessories, etc. The fabric of the canopy is self-cleaning. There is some debate as to the color of the steel support structures for the canopy, but the paint regardless of color will get dirty and it is RTD’s responsibility for maintenance. The Wewatta Pavilion, like the train canopy, has a design of sliding glass doors for access down to buses.

No one attending the meeting spoke at the public hearing for or against the encroachment. The staff recommended to the planning commission that the encroachment be approved and the redefined height be accepted. Motions were made and both issues approved by unanimous vote of the commission.

Vent Tubes: The planning commission moved on to the next item of business concerning redesign of the vent tubes at the light rail terminal. The information given was only informational with no public hearing allowed. Kristopher Takacs of SOM stated that the vent tubes would be of precast materials with the size of the tubes remaining the same and the design broken up into three pieces. The motif would simulate a tree design (branches) with a layering affect. The concrete would be sandblasted for a two tone reading of the skin. The vent tubes would be animated at night through upward extended lighting. Kristopher anticipated questions of people’s ability to climb the structures, bird proofing the tubes, noise issues and the tubes covered at the top with a grating design. Graffiti is deemed not an issue as the concrete will be coated with an anti-graffiti paint that can be re-applied when it wears off. Kristopher believes that the tubes’ tree effect will be high enough in height that the tubes will not become climbing walls. One commissioner asked the question of skateboarders using the sides of the tubes for leverage to push off. This question was not adequately answered.

The planning commission complimented SOM on the redesign and appeared generally in favor of the changes.

Status of ColoRail Lawsuit

In May 2009, Colorado Rail sued the Federal Transportation Agency over its approval of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Union Station project. Since then the federal judge reviewing the case has requested more detail from the parties involved in the suit by mid-February. RTD has submitted an Amicus Brief. When asked about the status of the lawsuit by City Council on January 25, 2010, Cole Finnegan responded that the suit was still in the discovery phase.

January 21, 2010 DUSPA Meeting Summary

Per Bill Mosher, the public part of the meeting focused on the DUSPA board and the City approving a Contingent Commitment for the subordinate RIFF loan. See note below:

Other business included approval of CDOT to receive a portion of the grant money, the City entering into an agreement for a temporary AMTRAK facility, and reference to an expected announcement about plans for the North Wing Building on the Wynkoop Plaza

Note: At the City Council meeting on January 25, 2010, a questioned was raised regarding the City’s exposure in making this commitment. The answer was that it was minor as it would not potentially be called before 2020, there were two reserve funds that would activate before any call on the commitment, and the maximum exposure to the City would be $8,000,000.

The following is the makeup of the DUSPA Board:

DIRECTORS

Mario Carrera - Entravision Communications – VP/GM - City Director

Jerry Glick - Columbia Group LLLP – President - City Director

Don Hunt - Antero – President - City Director

Robin Kniech - FRESC – Program Director/Staff Attorney - City Director

Elbra Wedgeworth - Denver Health – CGCAO - City Director

Michael West - Michael D. West, CPA – CPA - City Director

Judy Montero - City Council District #9 – Councilwoman - City Director*

Claude Pumilia - City and County of Denver – CFO - Manager of Finance, ex officio*

Marla Lien - RTD – General Counsel - RTD Director

Terry Howerter - RTD – Chief Financial Officer - RTD Director

Russell George - CDOT – Executive Director - CDOT Director

Jennifer Schaufele - DRCOG – Executive Director - DRCOG Director

Tom Gougeon - Union Station Neighborhood Company - Met District Director

* Non-voting

Membership Renewal Time!

For those of you that joined Union Station Advocates in 2008 it is now time to renew your membership! Your continued support is much appreciated. Please keep an eye out for an email concerning your membership renewal or you can go to the USA membership webpage and renew today: http://www.unionstationadvocates.org/membership.html

Thank you for your continued support!

Union Station Advocates Roundtable

The Roundtables continue to be an effective and engaging meeting allowing our members to have informal discussions on important issues of the Union Station project.

LoDoNA Event

PLEASE JOIN LoDoNA FOR THEIR ANNUAL MEETING:

“Trains, Brains and Meat on a Stick”

Wednesday, February 3, 5:15 PM

1513 Wynkoop Street

5:15 – Membership renewal and Social Hour

6:00 – Business Meeting

6:20 – Featured Presentation

Update on Union Station activities presented by:

Judy Montero , Councilwoman District 9

Bill Mosher , Project Owners’ Representative

Tom Gougeon , Union Station Neighborhood Company

Diane Barrett , Special Assistant to Mayor Hickenlooper

$ 10 for LoDoNA members, $ 15 for non-members, payable at the door

Included are one complimentary drink ticket and a bottomless selection of appetizers.

Union Station Advocates Is Now On Facebook!

Are you a USA member or just excited about our historic Union Station and its big transformation? Join us on Facebook by being a fan of Union Station Advocates! Here’s a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Union-Station-Advocates/43803914945?ref=ts

To download a PDF version of this News Update, please click here.

Union Station Advocates

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March Newsletter

RTD Public Meeting Tonight!

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USA Social Media

Union Station Advocates Makes Final Recommendations

Union Station Tour this Saturday!

DUS Stakeholder Meeting

DUSPA Meeting Feb 3

Updated DUS Schedule

RTD Presentation on Denver Union Station

Amtrack Relocation Postponed

Union Station Tour This Saturday!

DUS Public Meeting

Portal to Progress Screening

USA to Show Portal to Progress

Union Station Landscape Plans Updated

Tour Dates

USA Needs Your Help!

December 2 DUSPA Board Meeting Summary

FREE 3 Month Membership with Tours

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Kiewit Prices Public Realm Drawings

Come Tour Union Station!

Roving Reporter in the Field - November

Evaluating Future Uses of Union Station

Tour the Denver Union Station Redevelopment Site

RTD Forms Stakeholder Group

USA September 2010 News Summary

USA August 2010 News Summary

USA July 2010 News Summary

USA June 2010 News Summary

USA May 2010 News Summary

USA April 2010 News Summary

USA March 2010 News Summary

Union Station Film Premiere - A MUST SEE!!

USA February 2010 News Update

It's a Celebration!!

USA January 2010 News Update