What's New in Denver 2009 An update of new developments, structures and additions throughout the city
Arts & Culture
The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (www.scfd.org) sales and use tax revenue was $42.4 million in 2007, the most money collected in one year since voters approved the seven-county district in 1988. Denver's arts and cultural community created $1.69 billion in total economic activity in 2007, up 19% from 2005. The 2007 $42 million of SCFD funding to nearly 300 organizations is a catalyst for the nearly $1.7 billion of cultural economic activity in the seven-county area. Nearly $331 million was generated from cultural tourism at area arts, cultural and scientific institutions.
Denver’s Biennial of the Americas
Once every two years, many of the world’s greatest innovators will convene in Denver, beginning in the summer of 2010. For seven weeks, from June 24 through August 12, 2010, the Denver Biennial will include:
* a 30,000 square foot central exhibition entitled "In Good We Trust," curated by Canadian-born design innovator Bruce Mau. The Central Exhibition will serve as the focal point of the Biennial and will be open in the city’s historic McNichols Building in downtown Denver for the entire seven-week period.
* a public dialogue series that will attract progressive thinkers and explore critical topics of global relevance through round tables, seminars, workshops, and other special programs, many of which will be simulcast internationally.
* original programming by cultural institutions throughout Denver, ranging from the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and the Museo de las Americas to the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Each will present transformative events and exhibitions responding to the theme of the Biennial, and inspired by the Americas and the vision of the curator. www.denverbiennial.org
King Tut Exhibit Comes to Denver in 2010
An exhibition running July 1, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 at the Denver Art Museum will feature ancient objects from the tomb of King Tut. Titled "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs," the sure-to-be-blockbuster show will contain 50 objects from Tut's tomb as well as at least 50 objects related to other Egyptian pharaohs. Highlights include a 10-foot statue of the pharaoh from the tomb of two of his high officials, the largest image of King Tut ever unearthed, as well as one of four inlaid golden coffinettes that held the pharaoh's internal organs. www.denverartmuseum.org
Colorado History Museum to Get New Home
The Colorado Historical Society will be re-locating the Colorado History Museum, with construction on the new site starting in 2009. Construction of the new museum building is estimated to cost approximately $113 million and will be located just south of the current building at 12th and Broadway/Lincoln. Tryba Architects, the architect of record, will design the new museum to be a LEED certified building. During the remainder of 2009, the Colorado History Museum is offering free admission. www.coloradohistory.org
Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Continues to Bring Diverse Art to Denver
The Frederic C. Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, opened on Oct. 7, 2006, doubling the size of the facility. The Hamilton Building is Libeskind’s first building in the United States. www.denverartmuseum.org
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver Earns LEED Certification
In 2009, MCA Denver received its Gold certification from the USGBC (US Green Building Council) for its design, which includes a variety of energy efficiency and sustainability measures.
The David Adjaye-designed MCA | Denver opened to the public on October 28, 2007. The 27,000-square-foot facility, located in LoDo (Denver’s downtown historic district) at the corner of 15th and Delgany streets promotes environmental sustainability and direct connection between artist and visitor. There are five intimate gallery spaces, three educational spaces, a museum shop, a garden pavilion and other spaces for people to engage with art. www.mcadenver.org
Third New Denver Art Museum to House 2,000-Piece Clyfford Still Collection
Created by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture, the Clyfford Still Museum’s 31,500-square-foot design reflects the institution’s mission to preserve, present, and celebrate the work of this legendary American artist. The Museum (opening date TBA), which is sited adjacent to the Denver Art Museum’s acclaimed Frederic C. Hamilton Building, will further enhance the cultural and architectural dialogue within the city’s arts district.
When American artist Clyfford Still died in 1980, he left a much-desired 2,000-piece private collection to an American city that would create and maintain a museum exclusively devoted to his art. In August 2004, his widow, Patricia A. Still, confirmed that Denver would be the recipient of this collection of works by her late husband in the new Clyfford Still Museum. www.clyffordstillmuseum.org
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Opens New Permanent Exhibit
In April 2009, the Museum of Nature & Science, in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente, opened “ Expedition Health.” The new, 10,000 square-foot permanent exhibit replaced the popular “Hall of Life.” The $8 million interactive exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to not only measure their health, but also to learn new ways that the body works. www.dmns.org
Denver Performing Arts Complex Plans New Symphony Center
The Denver Performing Arts Complex, the second largest performing arts complex in the country, is planning a new symphony center to be constructed on the Boettcher Concert Hall site. Denver voters approved $93 million to the project in 2007. The new hall will create a new look for the DCPA as a whole, adding 35,000 square feet of public space to the Speer Boulevard side of the concert hall. This will include more dining and event space, an expanded lobby, education and lecture space, additional restrooms, new beverage stations and retail space.
The actual concert hall will focus on acoustical fine-tuning, which should result in a reconfiguration of the stage, audience seating areas and other interior features of the concert hall. Musician space and support facilities will be improved with the addition of 13,000 square feet dedicated to instrument and equipment storage, a music library, warm-up and rehearsal rooms and CSO office space. Accessibility and life safety issues will also be addressed and upgraded. No groundbreaking date has been set. www.denvercenter.org
Attractions
Denver Zoo Plans $50 Million Asian Tropics Exhibit; seeks LEED certification
The Denver Zoo (already the fourth most popular zoo in America) is finalizing its plans for Asian Tropics, a landmark exhibit which will occupy 10-acres on the southern edge of the zoo. Zoos nationwide are watching the project, which will include the nation’s largest bull elephant habitat — capable of housing up to 12 male pachyderms — several pens for elephants, rhinos and tigers to rotate through for a change of scenery, and educate visitors about Asian culture and species. Five habitats, which will be seven times larger than the current pachyderm exhibit, will provide new homes for Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. Animals will rotate among the different habitats throughout the day, taking advantage of water features, mud wallows, sand pits and scratching trees to encourage physical and psychological health. Every day at Asian Tropics will be different for both animals and zoo guests alike. The 18,000-square-foot “Elephant Barn” will accommodate 8-12 elephants and include private “bedrooms” as well as a communal “parlor” for public viewing. Zoo guests will have an opportunity to learn how keepers care for elephants through training and animal care demonstrations. Asian Tropics is being designed following the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) system. It may become the first large animal exhibit facility to be certified by the LEED® program. Asian Tropics will use recycled water, efficient HVAC systems, natural day lighting and ventilation “green” construction practices. The zoo also is testing a “gasification” system that will convert the zoo’s trash into the energy needed to operate Asian Tropics. www.denverzoo.org
Denver Botanic Gardens Unveils New Vision/Logo
More than 55 years old, the Denver Botanic Gardens has launched a new identity and plans to enhance visitor experiences, update infrastructure and fulfill the Gardens’ new Master Plan approved in November 2007. The Garden opened the city's first publicly accessible green roof, located above its new bistro/cafe in June 2009. The green roof is the first of its kind on a city-owned building in Denver, and is a highly visible demonstration of the many benefits of green roofs for communities and for building owners. www.botanicgardens.org
Tropical Odyssey at the Butterfly Pavilion
In September 2009, the Butterfly Pavilion introduced Tropical Odyssey, a journey that carries visitors from the tropical rainforests of South America to the doors of the Butterfly Pavilion, featuring some of the world’s most vibrant butterfly species - The Blue Morpho butterfly, Owl butterfly, Longwing butterfly and the Malachite butterfly. Tropical Odyssey is a hands-on, interactive experience that will both immerse visitors in the remarkable world of the butterfly and teach the vital importance of how sustainable business is helping to save the rainforests. www.butterflies.org
Hotels
Hotel Boom in Downtown Denver
There are eight new hotels with a total of 1,200 rooms planned for downtown Denver over three years, including new luxury properties from Four Seasons and W Hotels. This is in addition to the 1,100-room Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center hotel that opened in 2006. There are currently 8,000 hotel rooms downtown and 42,000 rooms citywide.
A recap of new hotel projects:
Embassy Suites increase Convention Rooms
The 29-story Embassy Suites will bring an additional 372 rooms to the Convention Center. The building will be located at the corner of 14th and Stout, directly across the street from the Colorado Convention Center. The building will include a seven-story parking garage as well as 7,500 square feet of retail on the first level. Groundbreaking occurred in early 2009. Final meeting space numbers are not available.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Tech Center
199 Inverness Dr. West
Englewood, 80112
303-706-0102
www.denvertechcenter.homewoodsuites.com
The 113-suite facility opened in June 2008 and features 768 sq. ft of meeting space. The four-story hotel is near Park Meadows Mall and is conveniently located next to I-25 and C-470; 35 miles southwest of Denver International Airport.
Sheraton Denver Downtown Completes $70 million renovation
Sheraton Denver Downtown
1550 Court Pl.
Denver, CO 80202
303-893-3333
www.sheratondenverhotel.com
In 2008, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts announced a $70 million renovation of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Colorado's largest hotel. The comprehensive transformation, completed in mid-2009, encompasses the property's guestrooms, suites and lobby, as well as a new health and fitness program. It is all part of a brand-wide effort to revitalize the iconic Sheraton brand, which includes an investment of more than $4 billion in new hotels, upgrading 100 hotels in the U.S., renovating 50,000 guest rooms and re-designing more than 100 new lobbies. The hotel launched the effort in late 2008 with a holiday gift, donating more than 2,000 gently used blankets and pillows to several local organizations, including Denver's Road Home, the Samaritan House, The Denver Rescue Mission and Brandon House Shelter for Battered Women. Located on the famous 16th Street Mall, just blocks from the Colorado Convention Center, the Sheraton Denver boasts 1,225 guestrooms and suites and 133,000 square feet of meeting space.The hotel is home to two new restaurants: 1550, featuring classic American cuisine with a fusion influence; and Katie Mullen's, an expansive Irish restaurant and pub.
Ritz-Carlton opened January 2008
1881 Curtis St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-312-3800
www.ritzcarlton.com
The new 202-room Ritz-Carlton cost $88 million and includes 47 suites, 32 Club Level rooms and one Ritz-Carlton suite as well as 13,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,200-square-foot ballroom, a junior ballroom and business center. All hotel guests have access to FORZA, a complete fitness facility with a basketball court, indoor lap pool, aerobic classes, full free weight room and cardio equipment. ELWAY'S, the hotel's signature restaurant, is named after NFL Hall of Fame Inductee and former Denver Bronco John Elway. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver is located on the hotel's spa level, and features eight treatment rooms, a VIP suite and separate Ladies and Gentleman's' whirlpools and relaxation lounges.
230-Room Four Seasons to Open in 2010
A new 230-room, $350 million Four Seasons Hotel Denver will open two blocks from the Colorado Convention Center in early 2010 and will include 230 hotel rooms and 102 condos priced at $800,000 to $10 million for a penthouse.The hotel will occupy the bottom 16 floors of the 45-story high Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences. The hotel will feature a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, a fully equipped health and fitness center, full-service spa, rooftop pool area with dining and bar and approximately 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel will be located at 14th and Arapahoe Streets, across the street from the Hotel Teatro, one block from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and two blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. http://residences.fourseasons.com/private_residences/denver
Aloft Denver International Airport
16470 E. 40th Cir.
Aurora, CO 80011
303-371-9500
www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3166
Starwood Hotels & Resorts brought its newest hotel concept, Aloft, to Denver International Airport late in 2008. The new development is located at Gateway Park on East 40th Circle. The loft-like rooms boast high ceilings and high-tech features and an industrial design. The hotel features 144 guest rooms and 10,764 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Element Denver Park Meadows
9985 Park Meadows Dr.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80214
(303) 790-2100
The $20 million, 124-room Element Denver Park Meadows opened its doors on Spet. 21, 2009. Located in Lone Tree near the Denver Tech Center, Park Meadows Mall and Skyridge Medical Center, it is the first “eco-chic” Element Hotel in Colorado and just the fifth Element-brand facility in the country. Environmental amenities include low-flow toilets, high-efficiency kitchen appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs and recycling bins in both guest rooms and public areas. Guests have access to a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary bikes and a natural saline pool that is a healthier and environmentally friendlier alternative to traditional chlorinated pools.
Recap of recent hotel renovations
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
321 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-297-3111
www.brownpalace.com
Open every day since Aug. 12, 1892, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa completed an $8 million renovation of its guestrooms in 2008. The Denver landmark has updated the soft goods in all 241 rooms and is outfitted 199 rooms with stunning new bathrooms. Each of the 199 guest bathrooms received updated plumbing, new sophisticated silver fixtures, and marble/porcelain tile. Each bath was also fitted with European showers for a clean, classic look befitting one of Denver’s most elegant hotels. The hotel also features four award-winning restaurants and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Denver
934 16th St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-571-1114
www.marriott.com/DENCO
The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Denver is updating its guest rooms, lobby, fitness center and business center. Renovations include doubling the size of the fitness center and adding new equipment, moving the business center to the first floor and installing new Dell computers with oversized screens and adding flat screen televisions to all guest rooms. The hotel features 177 guest rooms and 3,200 sq. ft meeting space.
Denver Marriott City Center
1701 California St.
Denver, CO, 80202
(800) 228-9290?
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dendt-denver-marriott-city-center/
A $9 million dollar room renovation was completed in early 2009. With 24 spacious conference rooms and 27,000 sq ft of elegantly designed meeting space, this business hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Denver.
DoubleTree Hotel Denver North
8773 Yates Dr.
Westminster, CO 80031
1-303-427-4000
www.DenverNorth.Doubletree.com
The hotel completed a 1.7 million dollar room renovation in 2009, including new carpeting, new curtains, bedding and granite bathrooms as well as new flat screen HD televisions. The DoubleTree Hotel Denver North features 180 guest rooms and 5,200 sq. ft of meeting space.
The Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-603-4075
www.granddenver.hyatt.com
The hotel completed a $3.9 million suite renovation, including custom crown molding and woodwork as well as a new color scheme, in August 2008. The Grand Hyatt Denver features 512 guestrooms and 57,000 square feet of meeting space.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport
16475 East 40th Circle
Aurora, CO 80011
303-371-9393 ext.5002
www.denverairport.hgi.com
The Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport added a new 24-hour fitness center in early 2009.
Holiday Inn Express
7010 Tower Rd.
Denver, CO 80249
(303) 373-4100?
www.hiexpress.com
The new Holiday Inn Express, at 6910 Tower Road, at the Denver Intl. Airport, opened in April 2009. The hotel features 139 rooms.
Holiday Inn Hotel - DIA
6900 Tower Rd.
Denver, CO 80249
www.HolidayInn.com
The new, full service, Holiday Inn, Convention Center, at DIA opened in April 2009. The hotel is a boutique, inn catering to the corporate businessperson, executive, and family traveler. The 169-room, state of the art hotel, is accompanied by a sporting news grill, meeting facilities, and restaurant.
JW Marriott
150 Clayton Lane
Denver, CO 80206
303-316-2700
www.jwmarriottdenver.com
In March 2009, JW Marriott Denver completed a $250,000 upgrade to the lobby and gift shop, which was converted into a boardroom. The hotel features 196 opulent guest rooms and suites and 5,700 square feet of meeting space.
The Magnolia Hotel
818 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-607-9000
www.magnoliahotels.com
The Magnolia underwent a $7 million remodel completed in February 2009 including all soft goods, furnishings and fixtures and bathrooms. The hotel features 246 guest rooms and 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel also opened a New York-style pizza restaurant called My Pizza Peel in March 2009.
The Oxford Hotel
1600 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 628-5400?
www.theoxfordhotel.com
The Oxford has spent $1.5 million so far on room renovations planned for completion in late 2009. The scope of the renovations includes carpets, drapes from Asia, paint walls, new bedding package, many new lamps and furniture, fully renovated bathrooms (nearly 80% complete), flat screen TVs, Bose wave radios with iPod docking stations, new high speed wireless and hardwired internet system; the lobby was renovated in January 2009; re-installation of historic canopy at front entry was completed in summer 2009.
Warwick Denver Hotel
1776 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
303-861-2000
www.warwickhotels.com
In 2008, this 219-room hotel completed a $25 million renovation including all new soft goods, carpet, furniture and art. The Warwick offers over 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting space and is located in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood.
Ameristar Casino
111 Richman St.
Black Hawk, CO
80422
(720) 946-4000
www.ameristar.com
Ameristar Casinos' 33-story, $235 million hotel and spa opened in Black Hawk, Colo. in September, 2009. The five-star- quality hotel offers a full-service men's and women's spa, a 60-foot-long rooftop pool, a 700-person event center and 15,000 square feet of meeting space, in addition to 536 hotel rooms, some with mountainside views, each featuring 37-inch or 42-inch flat-panel televisions and five-piece bathrooms.
Additional Denver Updates
DIA is Fifth-Busiest Airport in Nation
Denver International Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and the 10th-busiest in the world. In 2008, DIA averaged 1,714 flights daily (arrivals and departures), and served a total of 51.2 million passengers, an increase of 2.8 percent over 2007. www.flydenver.com
Largest Light Rail Project in U.S. History Under Construction in Denver
On Nov. 2, 2004, Denver voters approved an ambitious 12-year $4.7 billion plan to expand the region’s public transportation system with 119 miles of new light rail and commuter rail. It is the largest light rail initiative in American history.
Denver’s downtown Union Station will become a hub for rail lines that will branch out to all parts of the city, including a light rail line to Golden and a commuter rail line to Boulder and Longmont. The new plan will offer commuter rail service between Denver International Airport and downtown Denver.
Updated August, 2009