In our last update in April, the new Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station was an almost-topped-out structural shell. Now, we have lots of glass and an exterior facade that is receiving its final treatments. Let’s take a look!
One of the most notable components of this project is the inclusion of the historic Denver Hose Company No. 1 building, built in 1883, and the oldest surviving fire house in Denver. For many years, that building sat vacant and deteriorating. Now it is being fully restored and will serve as the hotel’s restaurant. The interior was in a state of significant decay, so a new interior will be constructed within the brick exterior that features two large arched windows on the upper floor.
The hotel’s main tower rises 12 floors and will feature a mostly opaque white facade. Sitting behind the orange-brick historic building is a nine-story glass box that adds visual contrast to the two other structures and helps step the new buildings down in height to the modest historic fire house at the corner. Below are two shots from across 20th Street showing the three-part composition to the development.
Here’s a rendering of the completed project, courtesy of architects Johnson Nathan Strohe.
From 19th Street we can see the side of the 12-story tower. Between 19th Street and the new hotel are the last redevelopment parcels in the Union Station area, owned by Focus Property Group, the same firm developing the Hilton Garden Inn. No specific plans for them have been announced by Focus, which is, um, focusing right now on getting the Hilton Garden Inn finished. The old two-story building next to the new hotel will likely be redeveloped along with the gravel lot at the 19th Street corner.
The Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station is aiming for a February 2019 opening.
So they opted to go back to the white facade. Probably due to branding requirements. I think the black facade they were proposing last would have been far sharper and less “cookie cutter hotel” looking. But it’s another much needed mid-rise hotel around Union Station so beggars can’t be choosers. Glad to see the historic structure still a part of the overall project. That’ll be a great addition and a pretty cool space. And now I’m very curious as to what they have in store for the vacant lot(s) adjacent to this. Hoping for something grand given it’s the last developable space in the Union Station area and one large enough to support a fairly big project.
I’m gonna unapologetically highjack the comments here – the King Soopers across the street is shameful. Blocked entrance, blocked windows, the only way in is by walking theough the parking garage. Not a good face to show visitors.
There is an entrance to King Soopers on Chestnut, and another entrance on 20th.
Unless they recently closed it here is an entrance on Chestnut, I’ve used it; you don’t need to go in the garage.
The Chestnut entrance is only open 8am-5pm. That’s ten hours each day that a pedestrian must take the labyrinthine path through the garage, which includes no sidewalk by the way.
I agree that King Soopers messed up badly not providing a pedestrian walkway through the tunnel. They probably didn’t envision closing down the chestnut entrance, but after speaking to their security people, they had so many instances of theft that they couldn’t watch every door.
Agreed. Theft out of the two pedestrian only entrances has been highly problematic for King Soopers. This was amplified by the store layout and not having check out stations blocking these two entrances and having them be inticing by opening up to the produce and deli sections and the seating allowing easy shoplifting. Look at the Whole Foods where they blocked both entrances with the check out areas allowing security to narrow its focus- something that King Soopers has been forced to do by locking one set of doors.
Too bad the most pedestrian friendly options are the most problematic.
The Chesnut entrance appears to be completely closed now. The 20th entrance is only open 8am-5pm. That’s ten hours each day that a pedestrian must take the labyrinthine path through the garage, which includes no sidewalk by the way.
I think this project will turn out nice. Not a show stopper, but not offensive by any means. Thank god they saved the little brick firehouse as this part of town is short on tactile friendliness. I agree the black would have been dramatic as the black netting indicates. Too bad that’s going to come down, I think it’s kind of cool looking. And yes the King Soopers entrance is dismal but I think that’s part of the King Soopers brand.
Agree on King Soopers. I’m so excited that the old firehouse is being saved and reused though!
We are very excited about joining the neighborhood and opening in Spring 2019. The Hilton Garden Union Station will feature 233 guestrooms inclusive of 10 King Suites. Every room will offer guests a microwave, mini-fridge, and all the wonderful Hilton Garden Inn amenities. The hotel will also offer over 9,000 sq ft of flexible indoor and outdoor event space on the 2nd floor. An indoor pool and fitness room enhance the 3rd floor. About the restaurant, you’ve driven by it and wondered what it’s going to be. Little did you know, it’s your new go-to destination for a meandering brunch or a local craft beer before a Rockies game. Denver’s historic Hose House No. 1 has been many things—and it’s about to be so much more.
I think I saw that hotel in “2001: A Space Odyssey.” And the scifi mash-up with the attached Borg cube adds drama.
I am so disappointed they went away from the black brick in favor of the cream facade. This building could have been a highlight of the area, but now, it’s just a big eyesore.
Agreed, the black facade would have made this building stand out. Does any one out there have an update on the progress of this build?
Ken or Ryan – do you guys have any idea if the parcel to the southwest (northeast corner of 19th and chestnut – currently serves as pay parking) will be developed? Is it associated with the substation or something? Seems like quite the hole in the neighborhood.