Civic Center Station is almost ready to open, Dec. 12, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
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After more than a year of work (and some slight detours for city bus routes), Civic Center Station is ready to reopen to the public.
The new facility boasts some sleek new outdoor shelters that officials say are meant to mimic the iconic coverings at Union Station. The terminal's new sign at Broadway and 16th Avenue is visible all the way down the 16th Street Mall, similar to the Union Station sign's presence above 17th Street. Downtown Denver's two central corridors are now bookended by transportation signs.
On a media tour this morning, officials said the facility will allow for seven free Mallride buses (an increase from the previous five), which will help maintain consistency of service all day along the 16th Street Mall. In total, the facility is a hub for 18 routes and is expected to handle 15,000 passengers every day. The construction budget was $28 million.
As noted by Streetsblog, the station doesn't yet reach its full potential. Bike racks won't be installed until next year, and real-time arrival information doesn't make it from buses to screens in the terminal.
Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.