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.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Winter Newsletter
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:
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.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
DUS Construction Updates
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.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
LEAVE A COMMENT FOR RTD!
It's come to our attention that a recommendation regarding the development of the historic station building could come as early as today. We encourage all of the Union Station supporters to leave their comments for RTD:
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/dus_1
For information from our Public Space Symposium (2009) which helps to clarify some of the proposed ideas, please see the excerpt from the letter below and the document at:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B14OGQyGiITvNTIzOTk4NWUtMTcxNy00YjYwLTk1MDMtNGNiNzcxMjUxNzNm
...We are forwarding the attached document that succinctly describes both the master plan’s vision for Wynkoop Plaza and the management structure that was recommended by the expert panel in the Public Space Symposium of 2009. You may recall that the Symposium was a fairly elaborate joint effort between the Downtown Denver Partnership, USNC and USA to identify the best strategy for management of Wynkoop Plaza. Again we would like to reiterate USA’s position that management should be in the hands of a non-profit entity whose sole purpose is the success of the Plaza. Integrating management with another broad mission (like management of the Historic Station Building) both weakens the focus required for success and disenfranchises other significant stakeholders. There is a strong local example of the model recommended… Civic Center Conservancy, which has proven that a broad stakeholder board with a singularly focused staff can improve activation of a signature public amenity, increase funding opportunities for that activation.. and as a result creates a more desirable and safer environment that draws people into it...
Thanks!
http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/dus_1
For information from our Public Space Symposium (2009) which helps to clarify some of the proposed ideas, please see the excerpt from the letter below and the document at:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B14OGQyGiITvNTIzOTk4NWUtMTcxNy00YjYwLTk1MDMtNGNiNzcxMjUxNzNm
...We are forwarding the attached document that succinctly describes both the master plan’s vision for Wynkoop Plaza and the management structure that was recommended by the expert panel in the Public Space Symposium of 2009. You may recall that the Symposium was a fairly elaborate joint effort between the Downtown Denver Partnership, USNC and USA to identify the best strategy for management of Wynkoop Plaza. Again we would like to reiterate USA’s position that management should be in the hands of a non-profit entity whose sole purpose is the success of the Plaza. Integrating management with another broad mission (like management of the Historic Station Building) both weakens the focus required for success and disenfranchises other significant stakeholders. There is a strong local example of the model recommended… Civic Center Conservancy, which has proven that a broad stakeholder board with a singularly focused staff can improve activation of a signature public amenity, increase funding opportunities for that activation.. and as a result creates a more desirable and safer environment that draws people into it...
Thanks!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Neighborhood Meeting: Future Re-Use of Denver Union Station
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 9th, 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 9th from 5-7pm. Please RSVP by sending an email to info@unionstationadvocates.org
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
RTD Releases Date, Time, Place for DUS Historic Station Presentations
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Historic Station Public Meeting
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.
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