Big ideas are a dime a dozen, but it’s been a long time since we’ve realized a big vision. The lousy economy, departure of corporate headquarters and diffusion of civic and political leadership all contribute. We’re hunkered down, anxious and thinking day-to-day.
Nearly 25 years ago, in the midst of a terrible economy, a banking crisis and tumbling real estate values, a coalition of community interests, civic leaders and political visionaries came together around a Big Idea. Myopic naysayers and the usual suspects called it a pricey real estate play, a white elephant located in tornado alley, a scam that would embarrass the city and go belly-up within 18 months. Future tenants screamed about the cost and the location, and complained about wasting money on design and quality material.
Fifteen years after it opened, Mayor Federico Peña’s Folly — Denver International Airport — is a $22 billion-a-year regional economic driver, the fifth busiest airport in the U.S. and the 10th busiest in the world.
Because it sits on 53 square miles (the largest international airport in the U.S. and the second largest in the world), DIA is among the most efficient hubs in this country’s aviation network. Airlines that screamed loudest about costs, warned about high ticket prices and inflated passenger estimates today rely on DIA. Its efficiency improves the airlines on-time records, thus enhancing the bottom line.
DIA is Frontier’s biggest hub, United’s second largest and Southwest’s fastest-growing market. Recognized worldwide for its efficiency, beauty and innovation, DIA is the only airport in the U.S. with a comprehensive certified environmental management system. Readers of Business Traveler Magazine have voted DIA the best airport in North America since 2005.
The airport’s growth is exceeding projections. More than 50 million travelers used DIA last year and projections suggest the airport will host 100 million by 2035.
Early visionaries and planners envisioned a rail connection between downtown and DIA. In 2016, that connection will become a reality. With the recent unveiling of the South Terminal Redevelopment Program, DIA commences its second major expansion phase.
The expansion is comprised of three independent yet symbiotic projects: a 500-room first-class hotel and conference center; the East Corridor RTD commuter-rail terminal (book-ended with Union Station); and a signature rail bridge over Peña Boulevard. The rail station and hotel will connect to the existing terminal with an open-air plaza, new concessions and leasable space. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the hotel and enhanced concessions will add significant dollars to Denver’s strained general fund, create 6,600 construction jobs and millions in short- and long-term revenue for the region. (To see Calatrava’s presentation, go to .)
The design frames the iconic terminal roof, enhancing its beauty and adding connectivity to downtown and the region. Properly planned and executed, this civic asset will play a key role in protecting and enhancing the physical and fiscal sustainability of the region, building upon existing civic investment and protecting the future. Successful implementation demands an informed and balanced tripod of public stewards: visionary civic and political leaders, informed citizens and engaged professionals.
Advocates for cheaper/faster will lob brickbats, objecting to bold vision and demanding scaled-down design and cheap material. Don’t let that happen. At DIA’s public groundbreaking on Nov. 22, 1989, nearly 5,000 people signed a giant billboard proclaiming, “You made it happen.”
Today, DIA’s logo points out, “Together we soar.”
Susan Barnes-Gelt (sbg13@comcast.net) served on the Denver City Council and worked for Mayor Federico Peña. She is a consultant to a local development company.
