The architecture of Colorado's transportation hubs is the focus of this bus tour

As light rail expands full force to the east and to the west of Denver and the B-cycle bike sharing program builds in Denver and Boulder, it's clear that Colorado is embracing a desire for accessible transportation. Historic Denver and the Denver Architectural Foundation are capitalizing on that with "Traveling...

By Bree Davies

September 12, 2012

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As light rail expands full force to the east and to the west of Denver and the B-cycle bike sharing program builds in Denver and Boulder, it's clear that Colorado is embracing a desire for accessible transportation. Historic Denver and the Denver Architectural Foundation are capitalizing on that with "Traveling Through Time: An Architectural Exploration."

The bus tour, taking place Saturday, September 15, focuses on transportation developments of Colorado's past as well as plans for the immediate future. Participants in the half-day trek will go from Union Station to Stapleton to Denver International Airport and back. The architectural emphasis will begin with a discussion of Union Station's original framework, and the current Landmark Association-approved expansion of the urban hub, over an 8:30 a.m. brunch in the station.

"I think past ideas around transportation are so formative for our city, and with that comes a message of preservation," says Ann Levinsky, Director of Historic Denver. The Stapleton stop will focus on a viewing of Hangar 61, one of the defunct airport's original hangars used to house the Boettcher family's private plane. Built in 1959, the structure has now been adapted for use as a church. The DIA portion of the tour should definitely spark some conversation, too; with ground recently broken on new hotel and transit structures, the proposed architectural additions to the already-iconic tent structure will add a whole new visual layer to the airport. A stop in the main terminal will also include a look at a scale model of the new space and details on the architectural addition.

Architects, preservationists and representatives from RTD will be on-hand throughout destination stops to share information on projects past and present. Tickets for the tour begin at $40 and can be purchased via Historic Denver's website or by calling 303-534-5288.

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies