DIA’s new digs were supposed to cost $500 million. They cost almost $720 million.

The new light rail station and 519-room Westin hotel were known to be over budget back in 2014. It’s worse now.

Megan Arellano

Jul. 21, 2016, 2:34 p.m.

Denver International Airport and the new Westin hotel. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The new light rail station and 519-room Westin hotel were known to be over budget back in 2014. Back then, the original budget of $500 million was expected to be as much as $100 million over budget.

Then-auditor Dennis Gallagher said he was “very disturbed” by the news, Colorado Public Radio reported. I suppose he’d be very very disturbed to hear that it’s more like almost $220 million over budget.

The independent audit does not allege any mismanagement. Or as independent contractors BKD LLP put it:

“We make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described in the attachment to this report for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.”

However, in several instances, payments applications were missing approval signatures of the project manager. In another, the payment amount was adjusted without additional documentation as to why.

Kevin Breidenbach and Luke Wierman post signs to tents as the Denver Democratic Socialists of America protest rent and evictions as the economy continues to struggle under the pandemic. July 1, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The national eviction moratorium ends Saturday, but housing providers on East Colfax are protecting residents until the end of the year

A massive community collaboration will protect some 1,300 renters until December.

Colfax Avenue's old Aristocrat Motor Hotel is now the Volunteers of America Family Motel. July 29, 2021.

A West Colfax shelter for unhoused families wants to demolish a historically significant building to expand its reach

The planning department found that the property is eligible for preservation, in part because of its link to car culture and a classic motel sign.

A couple of humans and dogs crest the hill at Ruby Hill Park. June 23, 2020. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Things to do in Denver this weekend, July 30-Aug. 1

Festivals, a sober dance party and the last weekend for Beer Quest.

The Curious Theatre Company on Acoma Street near 11th Avenue, Feb. 2, 2017.

Curious Theatre will reopen this fall!

The gutsy Denver theatre company has announced its 2021-2022 lineup.

Cue Perez, owner of Babooshka hair salon on East Colfax Avenue, works on Diane D'Angelo's hair on a Saturday morning. July 24, 2021.

Cheap cuts, color and therapy can be found at Babooshka on East Colfax

Among the eclectic tchotchkes and Hindu statues, Diane D'Angelo said she found her forever salon, giving us the fourth business in the series.

Community actiivst Poncho Espino speaks during a meeting of the National Western Center Citizens Advisory Committee in a NWC conference room in Elyria Swansea. July 22, 2021.

Neighborhood equity projects are on the chopping block if the city can’t fund its new stock show arena

Elyria Swansea could get a bulk of the money from a proposed $450 million bond package. But it's money not necessarily going where residents – or members of City Council – want it to go.

A cryptic billboard above Brighton Boulevard. July 29, 2021.

Things are happening at Meow Wolf Denver, and fans are working to decode the installation’s cryptic marketing

A sign, some shrimp, and a date to remember.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen stands next to a billboard encouraging people to report gun crimes following a press conference on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (Esteban L. Hernandez/Denverite)

Denver police will team up with the feds to target felons using guns

Chief Paul Pazen said the two-person team will target the "worst of the worst."

Dr. Alex Marrero, who was chosen by Denver Public Schools to be its new superintendent, speaks to South High School students after a press conference announcing his appointment on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

Masks, make up days and navigating a ‘complicated environment’: DPS’ Alex Marrero says he’s ready for all challenges

With the start of the new year right around the corner, Denver Public Schools’ new superintendent spoke with CPR News’ Colorado Matters.

The Park Hill Golf Course. June 4, 2021.

Two Park Hill Golf Course initiatives are on the Denver ballot this fall. Here’s what each one would do

Why is this so confusing??

A very preliminary rendering of the proposed mid-sized arena that would be paid by a bond package in Denver. (Courtesy of the Office of the National Western Center)

$450 million bonding package could pay for a new arena, libraries, park improvements and more

Denver City Council has received the final list of projects that would be paid for by a general obligation bond package.

Zenna Garnett has a Casa Bonita tattoo on her arm. July 27, 2021.

Casa Bonita is not everyone’s cup of tea; neither is Zenna Garnett.

Her sleeve of the building's famous facade drew a slew of comments on Reddit this weekend.

BookBar on Tennyson Street. July 24, 2021.

Berkeley’s BookBar serves up literature, wine and that community vibe

Dreams of "happier hour" and the need to support local businesses prompted Sarah Frazer to nominate the indie bookstore as our third business in the series.

Vacant buildings at 991 North Alcott Way in the Sun Valley neighborhood. (Esteban L. Hernandez/Denverite)

Rezoning in Sun Valley will pave the way for more than 200 affordable units for seniors

Denver City Council approved a request from the Denver Housing Authority to allow for more density.

Mayor Michael Hancock speaks during a mayoral candidate forum on environmental policy at the Alliance Center downtown, March 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Mayor Hancock commits to using federal money for the city’s affordable housing fund

He said addressing homelessness was his top priority during his State of the City speech.

A mobile vaccine clinic sits in parking lot near the intersection of Chambers Road and Colfax Avenue in Aurora. July 23, 2021.

We went to vaccine pop-up event. People had a lot to say.

This far into the pandemic, what's changing people's minds?

A controversial billboard designed by artist Maia Ruth Lee, as seen on For Freedoms' Instagram.

A Denver billboard was supposed to show solidarity with the Asian American community. It ended up hurting instead.

Some local artists are now grappling with what it means to responsibly display art in public.

An issue of The Black Panther from Sept. 27, 1969, which was recently added to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library's collections. Photographed July 22, 2021.

LOOK: Denver’s Five Points research library just got some Black Panther Party newspapers

Blair-Caldwell is one of five public libraries that focuses specifically on Black history.

Downtown Denver, Jan. 30, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Colorado’s confusing pay disclosure law is leaving remote workers out of a job

Employers aren't reading the fine print and excluding Coloradans.

A Denver Sheriff's Department prisoner transport bus. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Denver sheriffs union sounds alarm on low staffing levels

The union says staffing has fallen under 65 percent, though the department says that figure is higher.

More Denverite

Denver International Airport and the new Westin hotel. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)