Denver's Union Station and Crawford Hotel

Opened in 1881, Denver's Union Station recently saw an incredible restoration and renovation. It is now home to specialty shops, restaurants, bars and the stunning 112-room Crawford Hotel. Take a look at the jaw-dropping transformation.

By: Holly Aguirre

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Exterior

The Crawford Hotel was named in honor of preservationist Dana Crawford, who is responsible for much of the revitalization efforts of Downtown Denver as well as the nearby Oxford Hotel.

Nighttime Exterior

Denver's Union Station is over 100 years old, and its historic and distinctive architecture was protected throughout the extensive redevelopment project. It houses restaurants, a hotel, and in 2016 will be accessible via the Denver International Airport.

Circa 1881

This historic photo of Union Station, located in downtown Denver, was snapped around 1881 when the station opened. The original cost was around $525,000. The station just went through a complete renovation with the addition of the Crawford Hotel, which cost about $51 million alone.

Kissing Platform

Throughout the years, many soldiers and other travelers said goodbye to loved ones on the station's platforms. The historic station is once again providing bus and rail service.

Terminal Bar

We're pretty excited about the Terminal Bar, which is located on the East side of the Great Hall of the renovated and restored Union Station. It features the original ticket windows and a huge outdoor patio overlooking Wynkoop Street.

Post Fire

In 1894, Denver's Union Station caught fire and the original wooden tower was destroyed. This image was taken after the structure was repaired.

Restoration

Named to the National Register of Historic Places, Denver Union Station expects to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The entire project was overseen by architects, designers and preservationists sensitive to the structures historic importance.

Before the Renovation

The renovation and restoration was overseen by preservationists, architects and interior designers. The 100-year-old structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is expected to achieve LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council.

After the Renovation

Many of the station's original details and art deco design elements were left intact during the restoration.

Grand Hall

Named to the National Register of Historic Places, Denver Union Station expects to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2016, it will reopen as a transportation hub once again with train and bus service.

Clock Tower

As much of the original details of the structure, like the clock, were preserved in the renovations.

Classic Room

Each floor of the Crawford Hotel boasts a different theme. "Classic" guest rooms boast high ceilings and large windows and were inspired by the building’s Victorian-era beginnings, but with a modern flair.

King Suite

We love the art deco and midcentury modern influences in this king suite, which include the Greek key bolster pillow and the hand-carved closet doors.

Loft Bathroom

Located on the hotel's third floor in the former attic, the "loft" rooms feature exposed architectural supports and beams, vaulted ceilings and modern and eclectic elements. We love this pedestal bathtub and double vanity sink.

Eclectic Decor

This suite features a repurposed steamer trunk for an end table, a leather sofa with nailhead detail and a kooky wall of jackalopes.

Loft Bedroom

The eclectic loft bedroom features a leather tufted headboard and exposed brick details. There is also a "before" shot of the room to the right of the bedroom.

Suite

We love the eclectic elements of this suite's bedroom like the wall of Jackalopes, the unique paneled sliding doors and the reclaimed wood headboard.

Bathroom

We love the exposed architecture elements in many of the Crawford's rooms. There are unique elements in all, which include art deco, modern and eclectic influences.

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Photo By: Ellen Jaskol

Photo By: Denver Public Library

Photo By: Chad Chisolm