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Publishing History
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Lakewood Station - "Why not?"
It happened that at the January 9, 2016 Lakewood Ward 4 Councilpersons meeting, the matter of the Federal land called the "Horseshoe" was brought up for discussion. The General Services Administration had recently announced that discussions with the City of Lakewood regarding the city's purchase of the land had ended, and that the land would be put up for public bidding.
I said that I feared that open public auction would naturally result in the property being developed to produce the largest profit. Simply looking around at projects like the massive apartment complex on Van Gordon and the development going in on Union Boulevard behind Wendy's, it seems clear that open market will do the same at the Horseshoe.
When you look at the picture above, the light rail tracks approximating the shape of the parcel makes the name Horseshoe easy to see.
Free Thinking
Councilman Dave Wiechman responded to me, "What would you like to see?" I committed to working on some ideas. I'm an admitted amateur, but herein are my thoughts in response to the challenge.
By the way, if you study the picture above, you can see dashed lines extending Routt Street across 6th Avenue. Interesting. But it also indicates that some persons at the city have started on some concepts. I will ask our Ward 4 councilpersons and Mayor Paul if any of this work is available to citizens like me challenged to come up with ideas.
Councilman Dave Wiechman responded to me, "What would you like to see?" I committed to working on some ideas. I'm an admitted amateur, but herein are my thoughts in response to the challenge.
By the way, if you study the picture above, you can see dashed lines extending Routt Street across 6th Avenue. Interesting. But it also indicates that some persons at the city have started on some concepts. I will ask our Ward 4 councilpersons and Mayor Paul if any of this work is available to citizens like me challenged to come up with ideas.
Divide and Conquer
Again looking at the picture above, there appears to me to be two major parcels to be considered. West 4th Place divides Horseshoe in two. I like to think of the parcels as the "Station Parcel" and the "6th Avenue Parcel". Shown below is the Station Parcel from West 4th south to St. Anthony's Hospital.
Again looking at the picture above, there appears to me to be two major parcels to be considered. West 4th Place divides Horseshoe in two. I like to think of the parcels as the "Station Parcel" and the "6th Avenue Parcel". Shown below is the Station Parcel from West 4th south to St. Anthony's Hospital.
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To give a little bit of perspective to the size of this land, The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities and Arvada Center Banquet and Conference Facility (the buildings but not the surrounding land) fit very easily in the Station Parcel. The Arvada Center is a landmark facility we see every time we drive up Wadsworth that far.
There isn't another parcel like this in Lakewood, and perhaps not in all of the state. The picture here shows how the Station Parcel abuts the Federal Center Light Rail and Bus station. This is the largest station in the city with both the light rail and the capacity for 16 buses at one time other than Union Station itself. 
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I submit there there will be no future opportunity like this for a landmark for Lakewood. Totally ignoring the political fever of the 2015 city elections and the importance this piece of land had in that election, I suggest imagination including the possibility that the city enters into the open bidding directly, or by using imaginative zoning and other methods, make this parcel reflect the opportunity that the city is facing.
A Destination
Today the Federal Center Station is just that, a station. People go there to get on or off a public transportation vehicle.
It would be my vision that the Station become a destination in the sense that is discussed by metro planners. A place to go. But why does one go to Horseshoe?
Lets try to develop each of these Horseshoe attractions
Today the Federal Center Station is just that, a station. People go there to get on or off a public transportation vehicle.
It would be my vision that the Station become a destination in the sense that is discussed by metro planners. A place to go. But why does one go to Horseshoe?
- Catch a bus
- Take the light rail
- To meet others who are in Lakewood or have access to the light rail
- To do business with businesses there
- To get a snack
- To see a show
- To play
Lets try to develop each of these Horseshoe attractions
Catch a Bus
This is obvious. But keep in mind this is the largest bus collection in Lakewood. If we can succeed in a larger effort to expand the use of public transportation, Horseshoe can grow in foot traffic. And when we offer free transportation to Belmar, we add area wide bus users to the equation of Belmar users.
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Take the light rail Simple enough. Except I don't know if our neighbors know that light rail is a fantastic opportunity to open horizons. Rather than to elaborate on all of the opportunities, I'll just describe one. Discount fares apply to all ages of students as well seniors. In the new pricing, $4.50 buys anyone in this discount group an all-day pass to all places that light rail goes (except the larger train to the airport). |
Everyone in the light rail reach is a potential visitor to Lakewood's Station Parcel.
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My grandsons and I have frequently taken the light rail downtown. We've "walked the bridges" which is a walk across three bridges - the train track, the Platte, and I-25. The destination is Highlands and the Little Big Man ice cream stand. We've taken the free 17th Street ride to explore the city. I've even take one of my grandson on a "Where do you want to go?" which resulted in a Subway sandwich at the end of the line going up I-225 on the H line, and then back to a walk through downtown from California Street back to Union Station. This and any number of other opportunities await all generations in Lakewood.
And there is no reason that all the places we visit on the light rail have folks that would like to come visit us.
And there is no reason that all the places we visit on the light rail have folks that would like to come visit us.
Meet others who have access to light rail
This is in fact a huge topic. What it means is that we would like to have people get on light rail to come to Lakewood. Who has access? Look at some of the stations. People going to and from the Taj Mahal pass right through our station. Would they want to get off?
Students at both Red Rocks as well as Auraria (like Metro State and CUD) are a short ride from Horseshoe. All of the new downtown residence can easily hop a train to Lakewood. All of these people and more could come to Lakewood if there was a reason.
Why come to Horseshoe? (Here comes the dream vision part.)
This is in fact a huge topic. What it means is that we would like to have people get on light rail to come to Lakewood. Who has access? Look at some of the stations. People going to and from the Taj Mahal pass right through our station. Would they want to get off?
Students at both Red Rocks as well as Auraria (like Metro State and CUD) are a short ride from Horseshoe. All of the new downtown residence can easily hop a train to Lakewood. All of these people and more could come to Lakewood if there was a reason.
Why come to Horseshoe? (Here comes the dream vision part.)
Uses and Attractions at the Horseshoe
To repeat, without having any restrictions placed on my thoughts, I hope that somehow we can project our vision on Horseshoe either by participating in the public auction or by somehow "encouraging" the private developer of the land to look to the public good.
That said, I think we should have some special features in the Horseshoe. Just like Utah advertising for us to come to their state, Lakewood should be able to publicize our transportation hub with special pride.
The Public Plaza
The first impression from the train station will be an open plaza. Open space with trees, benches, artwork and lighting will begin the destination experience.
The first impression from the train station will be an open plaza. Open space with trees, benches, artwork and lighting will begin the destination experience.
Food and Drink
How obvious. I don't know why there are no coffee shops, donut shops, or fast food establishments at light rail station. Probably because RTD's master plan had some kind of prohibition. But aren't we fortunate. The Horseshoe property abuts the station and has no such restrictions. This is a one of a kind opportunity.
Shops
A few shops would be great. Spices, candles, gifts... maybe a Charming Charlie's would give the area even more life.
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Starbuck or Dunkin' Donuts is not hard to imagine in the space. Let's go to the station a few minutes early and get a coffee with a slice of lemon cake or a donut for the ride. If the coffee shop were attached to an area that offers protection from the cold and rain and wind, it would be an immediate hit.
Fast food is a real possibility for the same reasons. Mad Greens and a bagel shop now sounds like the little strip on Union and would be wonderful. Olive Garden, Applebees, Noodles or the like might add covered eating and yes, alcohol. |
How about this for cover: Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom at Lamar Station Crossing Apartments designed by CU Denver graduate students with the Metro West Housing Solutions, 40 West members and strong supporters of the W line.
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Play
How about a skate park like Denver or the one in Wheat Ridge, and perhaps with a play area like the one at the Wheat Ridge Skate Park.
Theater
A movie house might be expecting too much, but how about an open air stage and concrete seating for the Annual Lakewood Performing Arts Outdoor Entertainment Festival? If we could encourage 40 West Arts to expand their horizons and get involved. It would be a sure winner. Remember 40 West likes to point out their proximity to the W line as part of their entire package.
THE CROWN JEWEL - The Lakewood Institute for City Planning and Engineering
Would you like to be really bold? Build the Lakewood Institute for City Planning and Engineering. Move the city engineering and planning departments to the building. Provide classes on the subject. And of course, be directly linked to faculty and students at Red Rocks Community College, Metro State University, CU Denver, and the Community College of Denver.
When you look at the resources nearby, notably the Sheraton hotel, we might even dream that the Institute would become nationally know as a destination for city planners and architects. Fundamental and continuing education could start at the Institute.
Office Space
Add in this building general office space and you have the obvious home of offices for developers in Lakewood and Golden. This should also be attractive to lawyers and architects. And how about doctors from the hospital that could walk to their private offices and serve clients that want to come by bus or light rail to those offices.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE 6TH AVENUE HALF OF THIS PROPERTY
I've concentrated on the the Station Parcel. The 6th Avenue Parcel will be the housing portion of the project and it will be developed in more conventional ways. I prefer owners to renters, so perhaps we have a 10-story all inclusive opportunity for renters, reasonable entry condos, and fabulous penthouses.
What about Parking?
I said I'd mention parking. The three sections, the original Federal Center Station, the Station Parcel abutting the station, and the 6th Avenue Parcel must provide and protect their own parking. The parking for commuters exists. New on-street parking will be necessary in the Station Parcel. A parking garage will be required for the residents in the 6th Avenue Parcel.
I said I'd mention parking. The three sections, the original Federal Center Station, the Station Parcel abutting the station, and the 6th Avenue Parcel must provide and protect their own parking. The parking for commuters exists. New on-street parking will be necessary in the Station Parcel. A parking garage will be required for the residents in the 6th Avenue Parcel.
Conclusion
These are some of my ideas at the moment. I'm an amateur with no education or experience in these matters. This work no doubt reflects that. But I'm intelligent enough to know this...
There will be great regret to fall on the mayor, city council, city management and citizens if this opportunity is allowed to slip out of the hands of the City of Lakewood.
It's not over. Can the city, all of the city, mount an effort? The effort must pull all resources available in the city, the state, and the federal government, to concentrate on one individual, that is the person that can delay the bidding process. Our dreams will not be fulfilled through tricks of zoning and such. We must gain more control, perhaps even with a new negotiating team to demonstrate our commitment.
This body of individuals from every level of government must feel the potential of this property and proceed with a vision for success ("a spirit of cooperation" is too tired a phrase). They will all be necessary to reach the full potential manifested in this area of dirt that happens to adjoin Federal Center Station. It has the potential to be a shining jewel unique to the City of Lakewood.
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Update 1-24-2016
We see in today’s Denver Post that cities all around us are concentrating on light rail opportunities. 2016 will be a huge year for station openings. These cities are talking in terms of drawing young active people to their city because their city stands out, because the housing and activity around their special stations are made for vibrant people.
The responses I have received at this point to my essay have been polite. One was non-committal and another holds the stand that governments need to work in "the least intrusive manner". In other words, bold action by the city council should be avoided in this case.
As described in my essay, I believe this is not an ordinary circumstance. This is a one-time-only opportunity to do something really important. The city council should not duck this opportunity. Not this one.
It’s time to start speaking up and acting with vision. I offer ideas that deserve discussion, or replacement with even better ideas for action. Let's publish this discussion and make it easy for citizens to state their views with an on-line forum.
It’s time to get involved with positive ideas with GSA and their bidding process where time is of the essence. We need to join with all of our political allies at every level to raise the level of excitement in this opportunity. We should not give up the advantages we can press with the Federal Lakewood Station. The city should take a stand. Yes, take control.
This is a time for leadership, statesmanship and courage to make Lakewood stand out in the region. We have a unique opportunity to show our very best and be the best.
If in five years, the Federal Lakewood station is only mildly interesting, only one of many, the mayor and Lakewood City Council 2016-2017 will have missed a legacy opportunity.
David Murphy
Citizen
The responses I have received at this point to my essay have been polite. One was non-committal and another holds the stand that governments need to work in "the least intrusive manner". In other words, bold action by the city council should be avoided in this case.
As described in my essay, I believe this is not an ordinary circumstance. This is a one-time-only opportunity to do something really important. The city council should not duck this opportunity. Not this one.
It’s time to start speaking up and acting with vision. I offer ideas that deserve discussion, or replacement with even better ideas for action. Let's publish this discussion and make it easy for citizens to state their views with an on-line forum.
It’s time to get involved with positive ideas with GSA and their bidding process where time is of the essence. We need to join with all of our political allies at every level to raise the level of excitement in this opportunity. We should not give up the advantages we can press with the Federal Lakewood Station. The city should take a stand. Yes, take control.
This is a time for leadership, statesmanship and courage to make Lakewood stand out in the region. We have a unique opportunity to show our very best and be the best.
If in five years, the Federal Lakewood station is only mildly interesting, only one of many, the mayor and Lakewood City Council 2016-2017 will have missed a legacy opportunity.
David Murphy
Citizen
Email of 2-1-2016
Hello Mayor and Councilpersons and City Manager,
I apologize for the presumption expressed in my essay about the Lakewood Federal Station. I have just come upon the September 21st Joint City Council Study Session/ Lakewood Reinvestment Authority Meeting as seen on the Lakewood.org home page. I don't know when this was posted, but certainly after the GSA decision.
It turns out that most of my wonderful ideas for the Lakewood Federal Station were already devised by the city, and in fact known for some time. Granted the idea for a presence at the station of Red Rocks Community College, Metro State University and 40 West Arts weren't mentioned (I'm not done listening to the meeting) nor the idea for the Lakewood Institute for City Planning and Engineering, but the concept of a state recognized destination for creativity was clearly in the plan.
So I'm embarrassed in thinking that I had some new ideas to present to the council. I can't figure out why the obvious response was not to direct me to this meeting video. (Everyone I sent the essay to was at that meeting.)
Where was this information during our last election? The focal point issue as presented by Councilwoman Johnson at the GMCA board meeting was all negative. And Mr. Mayor, I regret that in the little time we had you had to be on the defensive rather than present the vision that had been worked on for so long.
It would seem that our neighbor cities to the north and south will be the exciting forward thinkers for light rail imagination, while Lakewood plays with zoning. Belmar is our thing, but it's being copied everywhere. Lakewood Federal Station cannot be copied. Exciting folks in our state and those moving in will quickly learn where the action is. Not so much Lakewood.
I wish the presentation I'm watching would have been the focal point of the election. rather than the negative stance against the administration. But that's the winning political strategy now as taught to us on the national level. And to the winners go the spoils.
I'll direct my energies elsewhere. I'm embarrassed now by my essay and the time I spent on it.
Dave Murphy
Just a citizen
Hello Mayor and Councilpersons and City Manager,
I apologize for the presumption expressed in my essay about the Lakewood Federal Station. I have just come upon the September 21st Joint City Council Study Session/ Lakewood Reinvestment Authority Meeting as seen on the Lakewood.org home page. I don't know when this was posted, but certainly after the GSA decision.
It turns out that most of my wonderful ideas for the Lakewood Federal Station were already devised by the city, and in fact known for some time. Granted the idea for a presence at the station of Red Rocks Community College, Metro State University and 40 West Arts weren't mentioned (I'm not done listening to the meeting) nor the idea for the Lakewood Institute for City Planning and Engineering, but the concept of a state recognized destination for creativity was clearly in the plan.
So I'm embarrassed in thinking that I had some new ideas to present to the council. I can't figure out why the obvious response was not to direct me to this meeting video. (Everyone I sent the essay to was at that meeting.)
Where was this information during our last election? The focal point issue as presented by Councilwoman Johnson at the GMCA board meeting was all negative. And Mr. Mayor, I regret that in the little time we had you had to be on the defensive rather than present the vision that had been worked on for so long.
It would seem that our neighbor cities to the north and south will be the exciting forward thinkers for light rail imagination, while Lakewood plays with zoning. Belmar is our thing, but it's being copied everywhere. Lakewood Federal Station cannot be copied. Exciting folks in our state and those moving in will quickly learn where the action is. Not so much Lakewood.
I wish the presentation I'm watching would have been the focal point of the election. rather than the negative stance against the administration. But that's the winning political strategy now as taught to us on the national level. And to the winners go the spoils.
I'll direct my energies elsewhere. I'm embarrassed now by my essay and the time I spent on it.
Dave Murphy
Just a citizen
