Denver has an emerging neighborhood center with the new development of Union Station. If you’ve walked from Riverfront to the 16th Street Mall recently you may have noticed the amazing transformation. The transportation hub alone is changing the face of Denver and accessibility around town from Lone Tree to Golden to Boulder to DIA! On top of that wonderful future infrastructure, the core of it all sits at Union Station and it will be the front door to downtown Denver. This creates new opportunities for places to live, shop, play, eat and entertain! Start dreaming, an urban renaissance is happening in Denver!
History:
- First built in 1881 by the Union Depot & Railroad Company
- The original structure was damaged by a fire in 1894, but was rebuilt with a lower roof line and a brand new stone clock tower.
- In 1914, the clock tower was torn down and replaced with the building’s lower expanded center we know today.
- Up until 1958, Union Station had more travelers than Stapleton Airport with many famous passengers from Royalty to Presidents.
Current & Future:
- In 2001, RTD purchased the site to extend their Light Rail transit system.
- Also included in the master expansion plan are a commuter rail line station, bus depot and preservation of the Union Station building.
- Outside the station will be new public spaces designed to be a destination and a gateway for both those passing through and living in the neighborhood.
- There will be contemporary art installations, murals and water features dotting the sidewalks.
- Cafes and retail stores will coexist with the new seasonal farmer’s market.
- Concerts, festivals, holiday parades, fireworks and picnics can all be enjoyed in the new lawn and courtyard spaces.
This new neighborhood will welcome tourists, recharge commuters and give Denver locals a place to shop, dine, explore, play and relax in their own backyard – or just a short commute away.
Photos and History Courtesy of DenverUnionStation.org and UnionStationDenver.com