When I first moved to Denver back in 1981, the Platte River Valley, situated between Denver's Union Station and the Highlands neighborhood, was just a wasteland of railroad yards. These days it is one of Denver's most popular neighborhoods. When Riverfront Park first was established, it was a sorry looking place, more like a desert that a park. Of course, that was almost 30 years ago, and now it a great, people-oriented gathering spot. The apartments and condos lining the parks perimeter are now some of the most desirable residences in the city.
I was pondering all this as I was walking back to my car after visiting the nearby Museum of Modern Art this past Saturday afternoon. One of the buildings I walked past was the old Moffat Depot (seen in the photograph on the right), built in 1906 as the terminus for the Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railroad. Years ago it was a dilapidated, abandoned building in an empty field. Now it is the "Great Room" for the Balfour at Riverfront Park Retirement Community, a senior living community for wealthy, urban-oriented retirees.
In any case, Riverfront Park is a truly great spot to hang out, with a wonderful park along the banks of the Platte River on one side, and trendy shops, restaurants, and expensive condos and apartments on the other. What more could one ask for? It is like having an apartment on a much less congested Park Avenue, but with a tremendous view of the Rocky Mountains. All you need is money.
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