Denver International Airport, the pride of its city, is the largest, most technologically advanced airport on earth. It handles 92 landings per hour, delays averaged just .5% of flights in the first year of operation, and its ontime performance continues to be exemplary. Yet the project was fraught with unexpected difficulties, and at times the specter of total failure hovered over Denver Mayor Federico Pena's field of dreams. This book tells the fascinating story of how the biggest public works project in recent decades came to be, with all the drama of crucial decisions of monumental impact, colorful actors, fame, fortune, deceit, and despair.

Designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, the story of the construction of the Denver International Airport is a fascinating one. Denver International Airport was the largest contract undertaken by the City and County of Denver and was the first airport built in a major US city since Dallas/Fort Worth. Its only other contemporary rival in terms of the scope of construction is the English Channel tunnel. Gateway to the West takes the reader on a visual and narrative journey from the groundbreaking in 1989 through the opening in 1995.

On the cusp of the Great Depression, Denver mayor Benjamin Stapleton pushed for the development of the first city-operated airport. Denver Municipal Airport opened in 1929 with three hub airlines. While Stapleton would be honored to later have the airport named after him, by the mid-1980s, the name Stapleton had become synonymous with congestion, flight delays, and frequent closures when the snow moved in. To solve the problem, Denver mayor Federico Peña envisioned a massive new airport, but when Denver International Airport (DIA) opened in 1995, its three hub airlines had whittled away to just one, and critics warned of dire consequences. Yet the airport persevered, and today, with its iconic tent roof, six runways, and 53 square miles of land, it stands amongst the most beautiful and busiest airports in the world. This is the story of three airports and how they brought the city from cow town to boomtown.

"The Hidden Tunnels: Unraveling the Enigmatic Secrets of Denver Airport" invites readers on an intriguing journey through the enigma surrounding Denver International Airport (DIA). This compelling exploration dives deep into the myriad conspiracy theories that have emerged from this iconic location, known for its unique architecture and controversial murals. At the heart of the narrative lies the vibrant artwork that adorns the airport, which many believe contains hidden messages linked to clandestine organizations and apocalyptic themes. Each mural serves as a window into broader societal anxieties, reflecting concerns about governance, community, and the future. The book also examines the rumored extensive underground tunnels, suggesting they may serve purposes beyond public knowledge, thus fueling speculation about the intersection of reality and fiction. It contextualizes these theories within the historical backdrop of DIA's construction, drawing parallels to modern-day fears surrounding privacy and transparency. As it blends critical inquiry with captivating storytelling, "The Hidden Tunnels: Unraveling the Enigmatic Secrets of Denver Airport" challenges readers to question accepted narratives and explore the persistent allure of conspiracy culture. This journey not only uncovers the airport's mysteries but also invites deeper reflection on how public spaces can shape, reflect, and distort societal beliefs. Join us in unraveling the secrets of Denver International Airport, where art, history, and theories collide in a fascinating narrative that promises to entertain and provoke thought.

Inaugurated on February 28, 1995, Denver International Airport (DIA) was the first new airport in the United States for almost two decades. From concept to completion DIA's construction took four years and nearly billion, one of the largest building projects on Earth. Since it's inception, DIA has garnered acclaim for not only its stunning exterior and interior design, but more importantly its traveling convenience made possible by 900 dedicated Denver City and County Department of Aviation employees. This pictorial celebration of DIA marks a truly remarkable achievement, solidifying the Mile High City as the ""Gateway to the American West.""