Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava today will unveil designs for the first phase of a redevelopment of Denver International Airport’s south terminal area. The project is expected to cost up to $650 million.
Calatrava has prepared a soaring design that integrates a new $176 million Westin hotel with a FasTracks commuter-rail station and a large public plaza just south of the existing airport terminal.
Calatrava also will present a sleek design for an arched commuter-rail bridge over Peña Boulevard, just east of the road’s intersection with E-470.
The proposed design for the hotel, train station and plaza is expected to rival the existing tented roof of the DIA terminal as an architectural statement, with the 500-room Westin perched above the train station and plaza.
If the south terminal project incorporates Calatrava’s designs, the hotel/ train station/plaza complex will dominate the view of the terminal from the south, but those driving to DIA will retain a view of the terminal tent through a saddle-like space between the hotel’s towers.
DIA still must determine whether it can afford the Calatrava-designed commuter-rail bridge. Jeffrey Leib, The Denver Post
