Denver Union Station’s $11M Renovations Are Finished: Take a Peek
Denver’s Union Station has unveiled its $11 million renovation, and the Great Hall is buzzing with activity once more. After months of construction, the station is now open to travelers and locals alike.
A Fresh Start for the Great Hall
On Friday morning, the Great Hall filled quickly with travelers, business people, and friends reuniting. The modernist booths, complete with charging outlets, were occupied by people enjoying coffee and conversation. Workers utilized the new light poles, which double as barriers for private events.
“For most of the year, the center of the Great Hall was under construction,” said Ed Blair, the station’s general manager. “But as soon as we dropped the walls, did a final clean, touched up a few things, boom, it looked like this.”
Extensive Renovations
The renovation project, which cost over $11 million, upgraded the terminal’s Great Hall, built a new lobby for The Crawford Hotel, renovated all 112 hotel rooms, and updated The Cooper Lounge cocktail bar. This project marks a decade since Union Station’s last major renovation in 2014.
Union Station is celebrating its reopening with a series of events throughout the weekend to mark this milestone anniversary.
A Historical Journey
Denver’s Union Station, originally known as Denver Union Depot, opened in 1881. After several fires and reconstructions, the current terminal was unveiled in 1914, inspired by Beaux-Arts architecture. However, the rise of cars and airplanes led to a decline in train travel, and by the early 2000s, the station was struggling.
In 2014, a $500 million renovation turned Union Station into a vibrant dining, shopping, and transit hub. This project was largely funded by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and federal loans.
Future Plans
Looking forward, Mayor Mike Johnston plans to expand the powers of the DDA to cover the rest of downtown Denver, addressing challenges such as rising office vacancies, homelessness, and crime. The expansion could generate $500 million between 2025 and 2038 for projects like office-to-residential conversions, beautifying public spaces, and improving childcare options.
Hotel and Lounge Upgrades
The Crawford Hotel has seen extensive renovations, with all rooms getting a refreshed look and a new private lobby. The hotel rooms now feature warmer tones, exposed brick, and wooden beams from the original structure, with design nods to the glamor of train travel days.
The Cooper Lounge also reopened with new custom furniture and booths after being closed for months.
A Modern Gathering Space
The Great Hall now includes an elevated seating area with custom furniture and modern light fixtures that can act as gates for private events. Union Station has become a popular venue for conferences and wedding receptions, with rental costs starting at $10,000.
Kiosks for flowers, visitors’ information, and third-party vendors have been added, enhancing the hall’s functionality and charm.
Embracing Change
Despite the ongoing challenges, Union Station remains a central and historic part of Denver, looking to breathe new life into Lower Downtown (LoDo) with its renovations and future projects. The station continues to serve as a vibrant cultural destination for Denver and the state of Colorado.
“We’re excited about the future,” Blair said. “There’s so much going on in LoDo and the rest of the city. Our intent is to continue to breathe more life into this part of the city.”
Union Station is once again ready to be an active hub, celebrating its history while looking forward to a bright future.
