To better understand the urban planning mindset that has prevailed in Denver and in other cities, I'd recommend this article.


http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/20/richard-florida-concedes-the-limits-of-the-creative-class.html

I've been follow and watching the entire Fastracks project since about 2007 when the first rails were torn up in Lakewood to make way for the West Corridor (A bit Ironic that the first new rail project in Denver under the plan started by tearing up old track)

Union Station is going to be....different, its a massive clash of new and old, and yes, it could have been done a heck of a lot more tastefully.

However, this is not the end, the station itself is finally getting what it deserves, a new lease on life. There were many plans prior to the RTD buying the station to tear it down, put Amtrak and the Ski Train into basically a bus stop, force UP to be on their own, and move on and build Condo's where the station used to be. Some of the early station plans called for an underground bus and train terminal, and building Condo's right up against the back of DUS.

Honestly, the best thing to do would have been to leave the roof off completely, but its not my call, why spend money on a roof that does not keep out water?

But, considering some of the more radical alternatives, I am personally happy with what we go, I miss the old station, and the train tunnel, but the prospect of tens of thousands of people traveling through DUS every day is enough to make it worth while. DUS will no longer be a forgotten downtown relic, but a destination once again. Current plan as far as I know call's for 8 tracks (10 if you include the existing LRT tracks 2 blocks west), 1 for the Zephyr, 1 for the Ski Train (well....its open now) and one for future expansion (UP Excursions?), the other 5 tracks are all dedicated to heavy rail commuter service, at varying lengths.

I for one, while not really happy with the overall design, am happy that DUS is finally getting some attention, and will be a center of Denver Transportation needs once again.

For all the people posting comments of displeasure here, where few are likely to hear them, there are few posting anything to the linked Facebook post where someone might actually take notice. I have posted my opinion and I suggest you do the same.