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Transportation
Apply Now for the Transit Alliance Spring
Citizens' Academy!
Join more than 720 graduates and learn how to
advance transit, active transportation and
increased mobility in our communities! The Spring
2016 Citizens' Academy will be held on Wednesday
evenings for seven weeks beginning on April 6 and
ending on May 18. Academy Applications are due on
Friday, March 18 by 5pm. The Academy is a
nationally-unique program that examines
transportation, infrastructure, health, economic
development, and equity with the introduction of
new investments in transit, biking, and walking.
Participants selected for the Academy will attend
free of charge and be provided scholarships from
supporting organizations and/or Transit Alliance.
Classes are held from 6pm-9pm every Wednesday from
April 6 to May 18 at the Denver Metro Chamber of
Commerce (1445 Market Street, Denver, CO 80202)
and include dinner.
Apply at:
Denver City Council Member Wayne New reports that
two District 10 neighborhoods (7th Avenue
Neighborhood Association and Alamo Placita
Neighborhood Association) have met with Public
Works Traffic Engineering and Denver Police to
discuss possible methods to control
traffic, reduce vehicular speed, improve
pedestrian safety, and
enforce City requirements. In both neighborhoods
there have been major incidents related to DUI
deaths and significant damage to on-street parked
cars and neighborhood lawns. Resident community
meetings are scheduled to discuss mitigation
ideas, such as intersection bulb outs, pedestrian
crosswalk painting, reduced speed limits, and
longer yellow caution lights. As nearby
residential development density occurs, more and
more cars will increase arterial street traffic,
encouraging drivers to take short cuts through
neighborhoods. Citizen safety is the City's top
priority, so ways to manage traffic and make our
neighborhood safe for our residents and children
must be found.
The numbers are now available for Union
Station and
they are great! There are two main elements at
Union Station: the transportation hub and the
Historic Building. The transportation hub was
overseen by the Denver Union Station Project
Authority (DUSPA) and RTD's FasTracks Union
Station team. The renovation of the Historic
Building was overseen by Union Station Alliance
(USA). The total cost of relocating light rail,
constructing commuter rail and the underground
bus box, and improving surrounding plazas was
$482.4 million. Two federal loans financed
$300.6 million of the project. Current taxes
generated in the special district are far
outweighing projections made at the beginning of
the project in 2009. If current economic
conditions continue, the federal loans are now
projected to be paid off 14 years ahead of
schedule by 2026 reducing in cash outflows by
$162.1 million between the years 2027 to 2040.
In December 2012,
RTD entered into a 60 year lease with USA which
includes the option of renewing the lease's
initial term for two successive periods of 20
years and 19 years, for a total of possible
lease term of 99 years. As part of the lease,
RTD is entitled to 7.5 percent of all gross
revenues exceeding $12 million from hotel
operations (including the Terminal Bar, Cooper
Lounge, Pigtrain Coffee and event income) and
rents received by USA from their tenants.
Similar to the tax receipts trend above, actual
rental income to be received by RTD is
outweighing the 2009 projections. Rental income
to be received by RTD from USA for 2015 is
expected to be $486,800. The 2009 projection
anticipated that RTD would receive no rental
income in 2015.
Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) reports
that Real-Time
Transit Info Comes
to RTD provided by Steve Szczecina, RTD Acting
Digital Communications Manager
It's been a long time in the making, but real-time
transit information is here. Starting off 2016
with a major accomplishment, RTD now has real-time
vehicle location and arrival prediction data for
bus service available, and the first developer
using it with the Transit App mobile application.
Real-time information can enhance existing transit
services by reducing actual and perceived wait
times, reducing the uncertainty and frustration of
using transit, and increasing customer confidence
and satisfaction in the system.
From RTD's 2014 Customer Survey and Focus Group,
RTD learned that 95% of users look at the RTD
website for route and schedule information, many
riders use smart phones, 63% of riders have used
RTD's mobile application, and 61% of other users
are using Google Maps' transit information.
Therefore, there was a clear audience for
real-time information available in apps and on the
web. After years of work upgrading the entire
system's GPS infrastructure, and establishing the
systems to handle the continuous feed and
distribution of real time data, RTD's real time
data is now available. The Transit App provides
vehicle locations for all regular bus routes and
arrival predictions for local bus routes.
By this spring we can expect to see digital
station signage at major transit hubs, real-time
data on the RTD website, and integration with
Google Maps. This winter and spring RTD will be
focused on enhanced prediction accuracy,
predictions for all bus routes (not just the local
ones), and real time data for the light rail
system. Future enhancements will tie the "my stop"
phone system into the real-time information,
making this information available to those without
smartphones.
Currently more than 25 external developers have
access to RTD's data, and access is provided to
any developer on request, so we can expect to see
the development of more creative uses for this
data. Coming later this year, a simple application
interface (API) will allow dynamic querying of the
schedule and real-time position and prediction
information, which will greatly expand the ease
with which developers can make use of the
information.
The "Transit App" is the first application to show
RTD real-time information, and is available to
download for free on Google Play and Apple's App
Store. Find out about other mobile applications
using RTD's information at their mobile
applications page:
INC also reports that Crissy Fanganello,
Denver's Director of Transportation, provided a "State
of the Transportation Union" address
to the INC Transportation Committee. In 2015,
the City made strides for all modes of
transportation and:
- Developed pedestrian crossing guidelines
- Opened two new pedestrian/bike bridges
- Installed 15 miles of new bike lanes
- Began a bike parking program (as presented by
Robert Ferrin at our May 2015 meeting)
- Launched Bikelife Cities Denver magazine
- Made progress in the Colfax BRT
- Supported FasTracks
- Rebuilt traffic signals at Sheridan, Colfax,
and Morrison Rd.
- Retimed 187 signals on major corridors and 31
signals on minor corridors
- Implemented the Broadway/Baker Area Management
Plan
2016 is shaping up to
be a big year for Denver as the City embarks on
three citywide transportation planning efforts -
the Pedestrians and Trails plan, a Transit Plan,
and an update to Blueprint Denver, our integrated
land use and transportation plan. The city's big
planning efforts will need to be visionary yet
implementable, with an outline of strategies to
address funding shortfalls. We look forward to the
planning and developments expected in 2016 and
encourage all neighborhoods to get involved in
these planning efforts.
As Denver continues to grow, there will be more
people taking trips, and a greater need to move
people efficiently. With more than 60 percent of
all commutes either starting or ending outside of
Denver, the system must address local and regional
needs. With decreasing federal funding and
increased maintenance needs, Crissy's team and
every department across the City will need to
remain dynamic and adaptable to the changing needs
of Denver's neighborhoods. For example, the
department is working with RTD to make short-term
improvements, understanding that there are more
immediate concerns about the existing transit
network that would benefit from City-RTD
coordination.
Crissy's team is currently working with
participants across city departments and in
private industry to apply for the USDOT's Smart
City Challenge. Coming up in 2016, the City will
be hiring new planners, constructing two
neighborhood bikeways, adding bike route signage,
and building out the on-street bicycle network.
Expect to see intersection improvements in front
of Denver Union Station, and more enhanced
crosswalks like those along Speer Boulevard
between downtown and Auraria. 2016 will also bring
two new parking Area Management Plans, major
construction projects along Brighton Boulevard and
Broadway, and the opening of five new FasTracks
lines starting with the commuter rail line between
Union Station and the airport. It's going to be an
exciting year!
And here's an update on the schedule for opening
of all of the RTD
FasTracks lines:
- U.S. 36 BRT (Flatiron Flyer) - Service began
Jan. 3
- East (University
of Colorado A) Line-Service begins Apr. 22 -
Testing, including demonstrations of revenue
service, is in full swing on the entire 23 miles
in anticipation of opening day. Construction at
Park-n-Rides is wrapping up.
- Northwest (B)
Line-Opening summer - Track and overhead power
line installation is underway from Pecos Junction
north toward Westminster Station, which is under
development.
- Gold (G)
Line-Opening fall - Civil construction is complete
and the entire line is now fully electrified and
testing along the corridor will begin in early
2016.
- I-225 (R)
Line-Opening winter - Track and ballast have been
installed up to Exposition from the south, from
4th Avenue to 13th Avenue, and from 17th Avenue to
Ursula on Fitzsimons Parkway.
FasTracks is an Economic Driver for the Region -
since 2005, FasTracks has created more than 16,000
direct full-time jobs and $5.7 billion have been
invested to date across the region. Every $1
invested in transit infrastructure translates into
a $4 investment into the local economy.
RTD is moving forward with expansion beyond
FasTracks as well. Notice to Proceed (NTP1) to
begin final design work on the Southeast Rail
Extension from Lincoln Station to RidgeGate
Parkway was given to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure
in early September 2015. Notice to Proceed 2 is
expected in spring 2016, with President Obama's
fiscal year budget approval. Construction is
anticipated immediately following this approval.
The North Metro Rail Line began construction on
the Skyway Bridge in summer 2015. The bridge is as
an integral part of the overall project and will
be the longest bridge in the state when it is
completed in 2017.
Transportation Solutions,
the transportation management association serving
southeast Denver is preparing for an exciting
2016. Our new grants and membership
fee-for-service opportunities have grown the
program revenue by 71 percent. Our focus this
coming year includes the following initiatives:
Access Cherry
Creek/Colorado Boulevard - 2-year program designed
to assist retail, service and hospitality workers
with their commuting needs
- Way to Go
Partnership Program - outreach and support for
employers, property managers and residents
- Station-Area
Master Plan and Mobility Study: Colorado &
University Stations - converting stations into
multi-modal hubs
- Cherry Creek Bike
Station/Transit Center - feasibility assessment
for a facility in Cherry Creek
- First/Last Mile
Demonstration Project using Uber/Lyft Carpool -
connecting employees for the last 1-2 miles of
their commute, partnership with Rocky Mountain
Institute, Denver South EDP and DRCOG
Central and Southeast Denver Real Estate
T2 Plans LoDo Hotel
Source: Denver Cityscape
T2 Hospitality plans to develop a 211-room hotel
in LoDo. The California-based company acquired a
site currently used for parking at the east corner
of 16th and Market streets. Construction on the
11-story building is scheduled to start in 2017.
The as-yet unnamed hotel will be located across
Market Street from the soon-to-be redeveloped
former RTD Market Street bus station.
Stonebridge Plans LoDo Hotel
Source: Denver Infill
Stonebridge Companies in planning to develop a
202-room hotel in LoDo. The seven-story hotel at
1701 Blake Street will incorporate an existing
historic building at 1725 Blake Street. The
project recently received initial approvals from
the Lower Downtown Design Review Board.
Homeless Housing Planned in Capitol Hill
Source: Business Denver
The St. Francis Center will construct a 50-unit
apartment building in Capitol Hill for previously
homeless residents. The building will be located
on a parking lot on Washington Street just north
of East 14th Avenue. The property is owned by St.
John's Cathedral and is being leased to the St.
Francis Center for 55 years by the cathedral.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the
six-story building, which is funded in part by low
income housing tax credits and a loan from the
City and County of Denver.
Sidford Moving Headquarters to Uptown
Source: Business Denver
Sidford Capital is moving its headquarters from
Westminster to the Sherman Plaza building in
uptown Denver. The real estate investment company
bought the building at 1888 Sherman Street for
$11,350,000, or about $178 per square foot. The
seller of the 64,000 square foot building was
Eaglecreek Associates VI.
Stockbridge Capital Buys Warehouse Central
Source: Colorado Real Estate Journal
An affiliate of Stockbridge Capital bought
Warehouse Central, a 325,858 square foot
industrial park in west central Denver. The
property at 2400 West 5th Avenue was purchased for
$24 million from IBC Holdings and Thackeray
Partners. The price equates to about $73 per
square foot. CBRE brokers Jeremy Ballenger, Jim
Bolt and Tyler Carner were agents in the
transaction.
Invesco Purchases Clayton Lane
Source: Business Denver
Invesco Real Estate bought the Clayton Lane
mixed-use development in Cherry Creek North. The
property contains about 182,802 square feet of
retail space, including a Whole Foods supermarket
and the vacant former Sears store. The site is
generally bounded by East 1st and East 2nd
avenues, Josephine Street and Clayton Lane. It
also includes four parking garages. Redevelopment
is expected, especially with the involvement of
the Oliver McMillan Company, a national developer
of mixed-use projects. The price of the
acquisition was not revealed.
Denver to Improve Part of South Broadway
Source: Denver Post
The Denver City Council approved plans to improve
a section of South Broadway in south Denver. The
$12 million project will reconstruct the street
between Arizona and Kentucky avenues, adding turn
lanes and a third through lane north of
Mississippi Avenue. The project will also improve
sidewalks, crosswalks and medians in the section.
Fulenwider Building Logan Street
Apartments
Source: Denver Cityscape
Chris Fulenwider started construction on Red Owl,
a 46-unit apartment building at 66 South Logan
Street in the West Washington Park neighborhood.
The three-story building is attached to an
existing commercial building that previously was
occupied by a small grocery store. Fulenwider
expects to complete construction in early 2017.
Wolff Company Buys One Observatory Park
Source: Business Denver
The Wolff Company bought One Observatory Park, a
213-unit apartment building at South University
Boulevard and East Evans Avenue in south Denver.
The 11-story three-year old building was sold by a
joint venture of Urban West Group and LaSalle
Investment Management for $82.5 million, or about
$387,000 per unit.
Lennar Buys Ballpark Neighborhood Site
Source: Business Denver
Lennar Multifamily plans to develop a 240-unit
apartment building in the Ballpark neighborhood..
The Charlotte-based development company paid
$13,160,000 for the 1.7 acre site at 2401 Blake
Street, which equates to about $54,800 per unit in
land cost. Pending approval by Denver planners the
seven-story building will occupy almost a full
city block.
National Western Attracts Over 686,000
Visitors
Source: Denver Business Journal
The National Western Stock Show attracted 686,745
visitors during its 2016 run, the second best
attendance in the show's 110-year history. The
number of visitors rose 4,207 over 2015's
attendance. The show's facility on Brighton
Boulevard in north Denver is slated for a major
renovation and expansion due to the approval of a
tax extension by Denver voters in 2015.
Safeway Closing Denver Bread Plant
Source: Denver Business Journal
Safeway will close a bread bakery plant in north
Denver, eliminating 95 jobs. The supermarket chain
is outsourcing its bread production to third party
bakers. The plant is located at 4500 Dahlia Street
near I-70.
EverWest Buys RiNo Warehouse
Source: Business Denver
EverWest Real Estate Partners bought a 73,800
square foot warehouse in the RiNo neighborhood
north of downtown Denver. The Denver-based company
paid $10.5 million for the property at 2323
Delgany Street, or about $142 per square foot. The
property was acquired in a joint venture with
William Harris Investors Real Estate Partners of
Chicago.
Allante Plans Uptown Apartments
Allante Properties plans to develop Emerson Place,
an 84-unit apartment project in the uptown
neighborhood of central Denver. The five story
building will contain mainly studio units.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2016.
The 0.43 acre site was acquired from Nassimbene
Family Investments LLC for $1.7 million, or a unit
land price of about $20,000.
