Union Station Advocates has launched a campaign to bring back the Welcome Arch to Union Station, and will be holding a big gala in Union Station in October as the kickoff fundraiser event.
This is going to be Downtown’s biggest social event of the season and a great way to help contribute to the Union Station project as construction gets underday. Don’t miss it! Go to www.blacktie-colorado.com to RSVP. Enter event code: USA 10/15. Tickets start at $40.
Will the new Welcome Arch be a faithful historic replica or a modern interpretation of the original? While it is certain the new Welcome Arch won’t be placed in its original location at 17th and Wynkoop, there are several interesting possibilities for its placement within the Union Station Transit District site. The preferred location and Arch renderings may be released soon.
I can't wait to see those renderings!
I don't necessarily oppose a modern arch, but it would be awfully disingenuous to shill for sponsor money with historic attire-themed parties, "speakeasies", and words like "recreation" if the intent isn't a close copy.
I'd be pretty upset if I thought I was buying one thing and actually got something completely different. If it's going to be a new design that's OK, but it needs to sold as a new design.
Any chance that the well heeled and well connected participants at this gala will rise up in collective disgust at the proposed use of the DIA rip-off tefflon fabric at the train hall. If the goal is to create an open, transparrent feel, maybe they should consider incorporating some glass into the design. It's pretty transparrent. Plus it would better cover the ends of hall, which I can't believe isn't a bigger priority. I actually like the open center concept, but give people more substantial cover to get out of the wind, rain and snow for the 20% of the time that it isn't sunny.
Ken, any progress on this front? This is too important a site to waste on 1980's architecture.
Thanks,
DZ
my question is why whatever its design is its historic location not an option?
I had the same question as paulsjoberg–why not put it where it was? Nothing there now that it would screw up.
I know this is a off-topic, but Metro State announced that they have selected a developer for a new hotel on the Auraria Campus:
http://www.mscd.edu/news/hlc/
– Michael
If the arch can be rebuilt exactly as it was, using turn-of-the-20th century methods and materials, then by all means. And "exactly" means "exactly," with all of the original details intact. If it comes off as a cheap copy like so many "olde fashioned" light standards crafted of fiberglass that we have all over this town, then no way–it should be completely contemporary.
However, I'd really prefer to see this project postponed several years, and the money this party raises be devoted to alleviating the budget woes of our various arts organizations. Ah, but that would not be how we do things in Denver. Who cares if libraries have to reduce their hours? Who cares if the art museum has layoffs? Who cares if the DCTC has to forego challenging plays in favor of things that will just fill the seats? No, let's build this folly, and keep the Central Library closed on Sundays (which change will be taking effect soon).
Please, please historic relevance! That's the point, no?
I love well done modern, but we already have a ridiculous modern arch over at the baseball stadium… http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4409635
Hire metal fabricators / blacksmiths and recreate the old please.
If they can't place an exact replica in the original location, then what's the point? Having it located somewhere else would not be "historic". Either recreate it in the original location, or forget it and use the money for other worthy causes. "Society babes" trying to do something that they don't understand, or embrace!
Looks like the spire of the Four Seasons has been lifted into place.
Ken can you get us the slides from the Oct 1 Union Station meeting with the revised architecture?
UPDATE – Event has been postponed due to the Colorado Rockies Playoffs!
*Event now scheduled for November 11, 2009*