Regulatory

The City and County of Denver, The Regional Transportation District, The Denver Regional Council of Governments, and The Colorado Department of Transportation have partnered together to create a grand master plan for the Denver Union Station and 19.5 acres directly adjacent to the rail lines.  The regulatory, management, and financial structure continue to be developed and implemented as the process advances through the development and implementation stages.

The zoning for high-intensity transit oriented development within The City is classified as TMU-30.  This designation will promote high-intensity of retail and commercial space along with high-density residential development.  The TMU-30 classification has been approved for developments such as the Gates Redevelopment area as well as the District, located at Hampden Ave. and I-25.  The Planning Board and the City Council have approved this zone for the Denver Union Station Redevelopment Area with a variety of conditions and waivers to allow for the needs of the area.

The Denver Union Station, a historic building from Denver’s railroad culture hay-day, is the focus of many stakeholders that are involved with the downtown Denver economic and residential environment.  The master plan has been developed with the input of a citizen-based committee, known as the Union Station Advisory Committee and with the assistance of the committee known as the Technical Advisory Committee.

The management of the area will have to be developed in order for the goals, policies, and objectives of the master plan to be achieved.  This management structure must become a partnership with those organizations that are heavily involved with the urban core of Denver.  The state, regional, and local community planning and development process have focused on the Denver Metropolitan Area due to the size of the nine-county region, the high population that reside there, and the economic structure of the region.  These plans are implemented through the help of The State of Colorado, The Denver Regional Council of Governments, and The City and County of Denver and encompass all aspects of development.

The downtown Denver economic market has the potential to become an economic driver for the western region of the United States.  The market is on the threshold of turning into an urban core that is comprised of diverse commercial, retail, and residential development.  The four agencies have developed finance and phasing plans for the Denver Union Station Area.  Much time and consideration has been used in this process and continues to be developed as the master plan is implemented.

The historic building and surrounding area has gained much attention from the historic community of Denver and much consideration must be taken when developing this area.  Also, the area can be considered for LEED certification as long as a set of criteria are followed.