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Union Station Tour This Saturday, August 20, 2011

Posted by  on August 18, 2011

Just like our last Union Station walking tour was special because it was the only tour that took place during the 3-week transition period from the old to the new light rail station, this weekend’s tour is special because… it’s the first tour that includes the new light rail station! Have you been there yet? Help us celebrate this major milestone in the Union Station Transit Center project by joining us for a one-hour walking tour this Saturday, August 20. You’ll get a nifty handout with maps and renderings, plus you’ll get a detailed description about this exciting project and all of its components including the public spaces, transportation elements, and private development.

Here’s how it works: Head on down to the LoDo side of the historic station at 17th & Wynkoop at about 9:50 AM. Whoever shows up, that’s our tour group. We’ll start promptly at 10:00 AM and conclude around 11:00 AM at the Millennium Bridge. The suggested donation for the tour is $10 per person and all proceeds go to the non-profit Union Station Advocates, but you’re welcome to attend regardless of what you can donate. We just want you to learn about the Union Station project and feel good about the awesome city you’re in.

See you Saturday morning!

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Filed under Events & Meetings, Union Station.
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Upcoming Milestones at Denver Union Station

Posted by  on August 18, 2011

Now that the new light rail station is open at Denver Union Station, a number of people have asked me, “So, what’s next?” To answer that question, here is a list of milestones relating to the new Union Station transit center project that you’ll see over the next few years. Keep in mind that most of these dates are tentative and may shift around a bit as the project advances, but this should give you a general idea of the sequence of upcoming milestones for the project.

  • August 2011: New light rail station opens. Wewatta detour begins. 16th Street Mall and shuttle service extended to new station.
  • Late 2011: Development team selected by RTD for renovation/reuse of historic station.
  • Early 2012: Construction begins on north wing building (IMA Financial HQ). Construction on south wing building will likely begin in 2012 as well.
  • Early/mid 2012: Construction begins on historic station and Wynkoop Plaza.
  • Early/mid 2013: West corridor light rail opens with service to Union Station.
  • Late 2013/Early 2014: Underground bus facility at Union Station opens. Market Street Station closes. Downtown Circulator service begins.
  • Mid-2014: Commuter rail station and all remaining project elements are completed. Amtrak moves back to Union Station.
  • January 2016: East Corridor commuter rail line to DIA opens with service to Union Station.
  • Mid-2016: Gold Line commuter rail line to Arvada/Wheat Ridge opens with service to Union Station.

Except for the two wing buildings, not included in the list are the private-sector developments planned for around the station. It is highly likely several of these will break ground within the next few years. Obviously, we’ll report on those when they are announced. Also, if I receive more accurate schedule information, I’ll edit/update this list.

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Filed under FasTracks, Transit-Oriented, Union Station.
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Denver Union Station Update #82

Posted by  on August 15, 2011

Ken and I arrived at the LRT station festivities this morning on the VIP Train. Here is a video of our arrival. Lots of happy people. And they should be happy; today’s ceremony recognized a major accomplishment by Kiewit, RTD, DUSPA and all others who are associated with this massive project.

Here’s the band.

In case you missed Mayor Hancock’s remarks at the ceremony, here it is.

And finally, here’s a stroll up the new sidewalk on 16th Street near Chestnut Place.

This afternoon, the light rail station and the mall shuttle station look like business as usual.  People, trains and buses are coming and going.

Sometime earlier today, Wewatta Street was shut down and traffic has been rerouted to the new Chestnut Place.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the party is over and it’s time to get back to work.  Excavation continues behind Union Station, work on the bus station has resumed, etc, etc.

Thank you to Hunter Sydnor of Kiewit for inviting me to ride the train this morning.

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Filed under Government & Civic, Infill, Transit, Union Station.
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Denver Union Station Update #81

Posted by  on August 15, 2011

They are open!  The new light rail and mall shuttle staitons opened for business early this morning.  I took the following two photos at about 5:50 A.M.

I will provide more coverage later today with photos (and perhaps a video) of the VIP train and the ceremonies.

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Filed under Government & Civic, Infill, Transit, Union Station.
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