Union Station first opened in 1881 as a solution to a problem for Denver’s four railroads. The Union Pacific, The Denver & Rio Grande Western, the Denver, South Park & Pacific and the Colorado Central railroads all serviced Denver, but passengers found it difficult to transfer between rail lines. Union Pacific proposed that the four rail lines design a structure that would house them all, and thus Union Station was born. Union Station has gone through multiple renovations after a fire in 1894, additional railroads in 1914, and the addition of the Amtrak and the Ski Train.Today, Union Station is under a complete renovation. FasTracks has moved in and added Light Rail and heavy rail stations, all under an enormous, breathtaking, open-air train hall. Photos and a train schedule may be found here. The main historic building will soon be home to The Crawford Hotel, opening July 12, and will combine the historic feel of Union Station with the modern feel of Denver today.
Also to open in Union Station are shops, restaurants, and bars. The Tattered Cover is opening a gateway store in Union Station for incoming travelers. Notable restaurants include Fruition, Snooze, The Terminal Bar, Stoic and Genuine, and Mercantile Dining and Provision. The owners of The Kitchen in Boulder bring The Kitchen Next Door, which offers a farm-to-table, casual experience. Milkbox Ice Creamery comes from the owners of the uber popular Little Man’s Ice Cream in LoHi. More information about the new restaurants and shops in Union Station may be found here and here.
Union Station was built as a solution; this grand transportation system stands the test of time in serving the people of Denver.
