CREJ

/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2016

Inside & Out(side)

NORRIS DESIGN

estminster Station is the gateway to a planned

vibrant, mixed-use district that combines the

best of a welcoming neighborhood with the

convenience and efficiency of light rail.

Located just southeast of Westminster’s historic

core, the new Westminster Station opened for busi-

ness in July. The station is the center of a 135-acre

planned transit-oriented development area in one

of the Front Range’s prime growth sectors near U.S.

36 and Federal Boulevard. This redevelopment area

also includes a 40-acre community park that will of-

fer recreation and open space activities. Nearby, hous-

ing, retail, office and commercial developments are

taking shape as this area moves into the forefront of

regional growth in the Denver metro area.

In concert with this surge of new development,

Westminster Station is planned to be much more

than a light-rail stop. For many light-rail riders, this is

their first impression of the city of Westminster and

the site plan is carefully designed in terms of scale,

materials and lighting. North of the track, streetscape

zones progress from the station itself, planned in lay-

ers to shift the experience as a user moves from train

to neighborhood.

First, a plaza provides a welcoming experience to

train riders, with open vistas to the surrounding area

as passengers emerge via a wide, curved tunnel. Ex-

iting the tunnel, an amphitheater provides both a

large welcoming green space for area visitors and a

gathering area for concerts and public events. A wide

promenade divides the amphitheater, providing

a clear sight line to Hooker Street from the station

and linking the transit node to the neighborhood. A

band of sidewalks with trees, gardens and seating ar-

eas provides a buffer zone for the station with the

neighborhood. Plans for multifamily housing, retail

and commercial spaces are underway, with some de-

velopments close to the building phase.

Westminster Station: Train to Neighborhood | Norris Design

PROJECT TEAM

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:

Norris Design

CONTRACTOR:

CEI Constructors

CIVIL ENGINEER:

Martin/Martin

LIGHTING:

Clanton and Associates