The Making of a Legacy

More than a transit center, Union Station will become the centerpiece of a robust transit district.

"Denver Union Station is the mother of all transit-oriented developments," notes Peter Park, Director of Planning for the City of Denver at a press conference held on November 15th to announce the team chosen to move into exclusive contract negotiations for the redevelopment of Union Station and the surrounding 19.5 acres.

The Continuum | East West Partners team, now formally named the Union Station Neighborhood Co., was selected to lead one of the most significant and high-profile public-private development partnerships to surface in Denver since DIA. The initiative will create a multi-modal transportation confluence for the metro area's $4.7 billion FasTracks program. The project also will include significant office, retail, commercial, and residential development, eventually stitching neighborhoods west of the Historic Station with LoDo. Parking will be added to the site along with public spaces both in front and behind the station.

The long and comprehensive selection process, which began approximately 18 months ago, was designed to ensure that a solid financial and design platform emerged upon which an intricately studied and crafted vision for Union Station could be fulfilled. The Union Station Neighborhood Co. was favored because their plan offers a flexible and smart transit solution that is financially feasible, eliminates risk, reduces obligation for the public sector, speeds delivery, and focuses on the experience of the pedestrian. The plan also positioned the Historic Station as a centerpiece. Union Station Neighborhood Co. expressed an interest in developing a public process through which desired uses for the station building are explored.

"Everything Continuum and East West has done has always been at the highest level of quality," stated Mayor John Hickenlooper in support of the decision.

The signature project is viewed as a national model for urban, large-scale transit-oriented development. "We are fortunate to be living in this place at this time," Cal Marsala, general manager for the Regional Transportation District, reminded the audience.

Union Station's 150-year history has given rise to memories too numerous to count - first train rides, young men steaming off to war, hellos, good-byes, and more. "The station will now be a place where new memories are created for generations to come," notes Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Partner with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and lead urban designer for the Union Station Neighborhood Co.

The team is honored to have been selected, and is committed deeply to the responsibility this project inherently holds. The future is bright for Union Station, and clearly, the real winner here is Denver.


To stay informed about this exciting project, sign up for the Union Station Neighborhood Co. newsletter at unionstationneighborhoodco.com.

Riverfront Park Open House

The Riverfront Park sales team is hosting an Open House on Saturday, November 18th from 11am - 4pm. Visitors will be able to view up to 33 residences in the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to view multiple properties in the neighborhood in one fun and interactive visit. The following Riverfront Park buildings will be open to the public: The Delgany, Creekside Flats, The Townhomes, Promenade Lofts, Riverfront Tower, Park Place Lofts and The Brownstones.
The Open House will begin at 1610 Little Raven Street, Suite 115; 303.623.1500.

A Neighborhood Grocery, Finally!

Residents of Riverfront Park will tell you that when it comes to living downtown, life couldn't be better, save one thing - a grocery store. Normally, it's not too much of a bother for people to drive to Wild Oats at 11th and Ogden, or to Safeway at 26th and Federal, or to Whole Foods in Cherry Creek… on a weekend. But, when the need for just an onion arises on a weeknight it can be a hassle to journey more than a few blocks.

Enter Vitamin Cottage, which opened its doors at their new 15th and Platte Street location on November 14th. The 10,000 sf store stocks more than just vitamins and herbal teas. Way more. In fact, over half of the space is devoted to staples such as organic produce, fresh meats, and canned and dry goods. In addition to everyday food items, Vitamin Cottage also features a convenience food section to meet the needs of downtown's grab-and-go clientele.

Surely, this is great for the neighborhood. And, it is likely that the check out line will be just one more place where we catch up with our neighbors. See you there!

New Cardio Equipment at Riverfront Athletic Club

The Riverfront Athletic Club is proud to announce the arrival of their new state-of-the-art cardio training equipment. The club just received a shipment of new treadmills, recline and upright bikes, ellipticals, and the brand new Cardio Wave. The Cardio Wave allows users to experience a full body workout similar to rollerblading uphill, minus the traffic and growling dogs!

Each new machine at RAC is easy to use, and features integrated TVs and touch screens. Users can sweat to a pre-programmed cardio experience or custom program their own.

Membership at the club is exclusive to Riverfront Park residents. If you are not yet a member, stop in to view the new equipment and learn about membership benefits. The Riverfront Athletic Club is located at 1610 Little Raven Street | Suite 135. Stop in or give them a call at 720.846.3113.

Free Valet Parking at Zengo

Zengo is Denver's favorite for world-class drinks and dining. The award-winning restaurant now offers complimentary valet parking to accommodate guests. Tell your friends, co-workers and family that seeing and being seen at this hotspot is now hassle free. The cucumber mojito and wonton tacos are highly recommended.

Nov 9-19
Denver International Film Festival
Full schedule online
www.denverfilm.org

Nov 17 6-9pm
FADE, Denver Opening Reception
Museum of Contemporary Art | Denver
www.mcartdenver.org

Nov 18 11am - 4pm
Riverfront Park Open House
www.riverfrontpark.com