
The project interacts with the existing and planned urban context by creating a new public space at the visual termination of Wewatta and 18th Street. This public space is defined as an urban loggia and serves as a pedestrian entry court to the building, and links to the recently constructed pedestrian crossing at the new multimodal station. The design reflects the innovative and pioneering spirit of the Mile High City.
According to Gordon Beckman, AIA, Principal and Design Director at John Portman & Associates, "The hotel will reinvigorate the street through transparency, connectedness and public space development in a responsive and sustainable project for the city of Denver." Union Tower West represents the first project in Denver for John Portman & Associates.