“Our ULI Partnership Forum Group, which is moderated by Cal Fulenwider, recently toured the DIA Hotel and Transportation Center with Stuart Williams, Project Manager of the South Terminal Redevelopment Program. This was a unique opportunity that allowed our group to see the project ahead of the hotel’s Thanksgiving 2015 opening. Finishes inside the 500-room property were underway and window coverings had been removed so we were able to experience the significant natural light that flows throughout the entire hotel. The views are spectacular from every floor and truly showcase Colorado. Two separate restaurants will be located in the hotel lobby and each will have an outdoor patio with views of the Front Range.

There is a large public art component to the project, which will be displayed in the public plaza that is starting to take shape and can be viewed from the Great Hall. This space will be utilized by the City for community events and will be available to DIA travelers and visitors.

The East Line Light Rail is anticipated to open in the spring of 2016 and visitors should expect to see test trains this spring. According to DIA, ridership to the airport is expected to be 70% DIA employees and 30% travelers.  Upon arrival via the East Line at DIA, the airport expects that it should take riders 5 minutes to get from the train platform up to security in the Great Hall.

DIA is coming up on its 20-year anniversary and the new hotel and transportation center development will help take the airport to the next level.   Denver is strategically located in the middle of the U.S. allowing most passengers to travel here within 3.5 hours; as a result the new hotel is envisioned to be a central meeting place to conduct business and host conferences.”

– Written by Sarah Johnson
Director of Real Estate Finance
Triton Investment Company
Liaison to Cal Fulenwider for 2014-2015 program