The following timeline lists major milestones that have occurred during the Denver Union Station Redevelopment. These milestones look at the time when improvement to the station were implemented in the late 1980s and continue through the development of the master plan, the selection of the master developer, and the public process that has been used during the progression of the implementation of the Denver Union Station Master Plan. Also included within the timeline are the events that are taking place with the University of Colorado Advance Planning Studio Public Plaza Study.
Late 1980s
In the late 1980s, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and The City of Denver cooperated with the Denver Union terminal Railway Corporation (DUT), the private owner of the terminal, to make improvements to the site. These improvements included upgrading rail platforms and canopies and accommodating an RTD bus lane to access Market Street Station from the I-25 bus/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
1997-2000
RTD, The City and County of Denver, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) cooperated with the Union Station Transport Development Company (USTDC) and various private landowners and businesses to create the Central Platte Valley Light Rail Spur (C-Line), a major public transit connection to DUS.
August 2001
RTD purchased the site in accordance with a jointly funded Intergovernmental Agreement between RTD, the City and County of Denver (CCD), CDOT and DRCOG (equal partners in decision making process). The site is 19.5 acres.
May 2002
The Denver Union Station project team was initiated by the CCD, RTD, CDOT, and DRCOG to develop a Master Plan and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Union Station.
October 2002
T-MU 30 zoning was adopted by Denver City Council, which allows for up to 5:1 FAR.
July 28, 2004
At a USAC Meeting, a compromise was reached by members of the USAC and a citizen group called Respect Union Station. The original proposed zoning allowed the building at 16th and Wynkoop to be set back 70 feet from the property line and the 18th and Wynkoop building to be set back 20 feet. The compromise sets both buildings back 45 feet and removes the turn around area from the Wynkoop side of the station. The zoning application for Union Station has been revised to reflect the compromise.
October 04, 2004
Denver City Council - Public Hearing on Zoning Application, Landmark Designation and Master Plan. The zoning application was approved by Denver City Council. Denver Union Station was also designated as a City of Denver landmark (A structure may be designated for landmark status if it meets at least one criterion in two or more of the following categories: 1) history, 2) architecture and 3) geography. Union Station met the criteria in all three of these categories). The historic station building and the area between 16th and 18th Streets and from 25 feet west of the station to Wynkoop Street was the area designated as a Denver Landmark. All future restoration and new development within this area will be reviewed and approved by Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission per Chapter 30 of Denver’s Revised Municipal Code.
November 2004
Voters approve FasTracks.
August 19, 2005
RFQ responses were due (11 responses received).
November 15, 2006
The Union Station partnering agencies announced the selection of Continuum/East West as the Master Developer team (now Union Station Neighborhood Company, or USNC) to head the redevelopment and preservation of Denver’s historic Union Station.
December 05, 2007
USAC Meeting Presentation on the New Redevelopment Plans for Union Station.
February 12, 2008
RTD agrees to sell five building sites to a developer who will use them to generate money to help close a $200 million budget gap for the station project.
February 21, 2008
University of Colorado Advanced Planning Studio Advanced Planning Studio Denver Union Station Analysis Presentation – The students present the analysis involving the history of the station, the regulatory structure for the redevelopment, the physical characteristics of the master plan and the Denver Union Station area, and the variety of users of the station.
March 06, 2008
University of Colorado Advanced Planning Studio Public Workshop to generate ideas for the future of Denver Union Station’s Public Spaces.
March 20, 2008
University of Colorado Advanced Planning Studio concept plan presentation - Present goals, objectives, and concept plans for the DUS Plaza.
May 08, 2008
University of Colorado Advance Planning Studio Final Presentations – The students will present their alternatives for the public plaza of Denver Union Station.
Fall 2008
Record of Decision from Environmental Impact Statement
2009
Light Rail Terminal Complete
Summer 2010
Forecourt Plaza Complete
Fall 2010
Bus terminal complete
2012
Bus terminal operational and commuter rail complete