• 1881 Union Station, which cost $525,000 to build, opens.
  • 1894 A fire in the ladies’ restroom destroys part of the station.
  • 1933 A major flood swamps the building.
  • 2001 RTD purchases Union Station.
  • 2002 Light-rail comes to Union Station; engineers and developers begin work on plans to upgrade the station.
  • 2004 Voters approve FasTracks, which will add 122 miles of rail in the metro area and guarantees the Union Station project.
  • 2006 The Union Station Neighborhood Company is selected as the project’s master developer.
  • February 2010 Construction begins on two light-rail lines, eight commuter lines, a bus terminal, public plazas, and more.
  • February 2011 Amtrak’s boarding area is closed and all operations are moved to a temporary platform at 21st and Wewatta streets.
  • May 2011 The passenger tunnel between the tracks and building is demolished.
  • July 2011 A new, $57 million light-rail station and an extension of the 16th Street Free MallRide are set to open.
  • Late 2013 The under-ground bus terminal, with 22 bus gates (the majority for RTD regional buses) will be completed.
  • Spring 2014 Union Station opens as a massive transit hub (light-rail, buses, trains, and more).

This article was originally published in 5280 July 2011.
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.