Union Station Advocates Host “A Night in Old Union Station”

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Union Station Advocates (USA), a 501(c)(3) citizens group dedicated to excellence for the evolving transportation hub in LoDo and the Platte Valley, will host a fundraising party entitled “A Night in Old Union Station” on Thursday, November 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Funds raised from the event will help resurrect a replica of the historic Mizpah Arch.

Famed and photographed, the Mizpah Arch framed the entrance to Denver’s Union Station from 1906 to 1931. A new collaborative campaign plans to return a replica of the arch to the area surrounding the proposed rehabilitation of the historic Union Station building.

The re-creation of the Mizpah Arch has been discussed and a contemporary version was designed by Mario Botta in collaboration with Anderson Mason Dale. Its design triggered a lot of controversy and conversation about the Mizpah Arch and its function and symbolism for the city.

Evan Makovsky of Shames Makovsky Realty Company has been a champion for the reinstallation of the original arch. Large photographs of the monumental entry arch, which was first introduced by Mayor Robert Speer during train travel’s heyday, are featured in Makovsky’s Residence Inn.

“A Night in Old Union Station” festivities will utilize many parts of the historic station with a corporate sponsor “raw bar” repast on the mezzanine, a speakeasy in the train departure tunnel, and conductor tickets are assigned to the Great Hall.
Cuisine from LoDo’s premier restaurants will be donated with the coordination of The Arrangers, Amy Evans of McCormick’s Restaurant, and John Imbergamo of the Imbergamo Group. The growing number of restaurants participating includes Jax, McCormick’s, Mortons, Gumbos, and Bistro Vendome. Beer will be donated by Coors.

The main fare for the festivity will include troupes of mimes, contortionists, palm readers, and other entertainment performing throughout the station. Guests are encouraged to don historic attire for a sense of participation in “A Night in Old Union Station.” Prizes for best costumes will be awarded.

The celebration will culminate in the Great Hall historic reception room at the end of the evening. The hall’s 65 foot high ceiling will provide for a spectacular finish as planned by Al Kraizer, LoDo Jazz Fest creator, and Charlie Prideaux, producer of Times Square’s annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.

Honorary chairpersons of the celebration are Mayor John Hickenlooper and Helen Thorpe, as well as Judy Montero, Councilwoman for Denver’s District 9.

Purchase tickets at https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/calendar/index.cfm?FuseCalendar_ID=18556&FuseAction=ShowEvent . For more information, contact Dana Crawford at (303)892-1888.