Union Station Advocates - Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about Union Station Advocates?  Here's the place to look for the answer.  But, if you can't find the answer you're looking for or if you have a comment, correction, or suggestion, please send us an e-mail to: info@unionstationadvocates.org.

(click on a question to jump to the answer):

What is the mission of Union Station Advocates?

Where does USA stand regarding the Union Station Master Plan?

What is USA’s position on the planned “wing” buildings next to Union Station?

How do I become a Member of USA?

Why should I join USA?

What initiatives does USA have planned for 2009?

In a nutshell, what is the current plan for the Union Station redevelopment?

What is the process for public input into the Union Station redevelopment?

How can a citizen participate in the public process?

What is the current schedule for USAC public meetings?

What is the mission of Union Station Advocates?
USA’s mission is to:

• Encourage and facilitate citizen involvement in the creation of great public spaces at Union Station
• Promote vibrant uses and activities at the station consistent with its historic character and the surrounding neighborhood
• Support public input into the management, maintenance, and governance of Union Station and its public spaces
• Provide comprehensive information about the Union Station project to the public in a convenient and timely manner

Where does USA stand regarding the Union Station Master Plan?
USA supports the September 2004 Denver Union Station Master Plan. Master Plan documents are available in the Resources section.

What is USA’s position on the planned “wing” buildings next to Union Station?
USA believes that the proposed wing buildings are a fundamental component of the Union Station project for three primary reasons:

• The private-sector development provided in the form of the two wing buildings is critical to the project’s overall financing plan. After several years of hard work, a buildable and fundable project design has been achieved that relies on, in part, the tax and lease revenues that will be generated by the wing buildings. Eliminating the wing buildings from the project design would negate all that hard work, seriously delay the project’s timeline and, potentially, jeopardize the entire project’s implementation.  

• A long-standing urban design principle is that successful public spaces in dense urban areas have an intimacy to them that results in a comfortable, human-scaled, environment. Framing a public space with attractive and engaging buildings—in this case, the historic station and the wing buildings—helps achieve that intimacy by enclosing the space and allowing it to function as a grand public plaza

• The location of the wing buildings provides the opportunity to border the planned public spaces at Union Station with active ground-floor uses such as restaurants, shops, a farmer’s market, etc., that will generate pedestrian activity and create visual interest and result in a more vibrant and interesting place.   

USA also believes that, while critical to the Union Station plan, the wing buildings must be designed with a height, scale, orientation, and footprint that is consistent with and respectful of the historic station, and an exceptional architectural design that is worthy of a highly visible civic location.

How do I become a Member of USA?
You can become a Member of USA by sending a check to:

Union Station Advocates
1401 Wewatta Street Unit 110
Denver, CO 80202

Please see the Membership page for membership levels,

or you can pay your membership fee with your credit card online on our Membership page!

Why should I join USA?
USA is a not-for-profit entity that relies on member dues and other donations to cover the cost of serving Denver citizens as their advocate for exceptional public spaces at Union Station. By becoming a member, your contribution helps USA pay for this website and keep it updated with the latest information about the Union Station project. Your contribution helps USA sponsor public meetings, workshops, and other events that give you the opportunity to influence the design of Union Station’s pubic spaces and their construction, management, and maintenance. Your contribution demonstrates your civic interest in our historic Union Station and its rebirth as a transportation gateway to Downtown and a prominent public gathering place.

What initiatives does USA have planned for 2009?
Union Station Advocates is:

• Supporting the development of a short video that will bring the history and significance of the station to life
• Facilitating public meetings and workshops,
• Conducting monthly Roundtables to provide citizen input into the public realm design process,
• Promoting a major event on November 11, 2009 to raise funds for re-creating a replica of the Welcome/Mizpah Arch. 

In a nutshell, what is the current plan for the Union Station redevelopment?

• Light rail at grade at a terminal next to the CML.
• Commuter rail, Amtrak, and the Ski train at grade on the west side of Union Station covered by a train shed open in the middle.
• Regional and some commercial buses below grade under 17th Street between Union Station and the light rail terminal at the CML.
• Privately developed buildings on the 19 ½ acre site, including two 75,00 Square foot “wing buildings” on the Wynkoop Plaza.
• A 640 space parking structure on the north side of 18th Street (currently under review)
• Public spaces (designs to be determined).

What is the process for public input into the Union Station redevelopment?
The governing body for the redevelopment project is DUSPA, Denver Union Station Project Authority. DUSPA meets bi-weekly and provides an opportunity for public comment. USA attends these meetings.

How can a citizen participate in the public process?
Attend the above mentioned public meetings and workshops, or submit comments to USA which we will be passed on to DUSPA.

What is the current schedule for USAC public meetings?
See the News Updates page of this website.