It could be improved quite simply with some soft substrate that could hide apples carrots etc so the bears could dig for the food, and more large climbing logs to give an extra dimension and usable space.
I'm with you on this one, sadly I don't think it is going that way. I have recently seen more info on the North American exhibit and looks to be taking shape more and more. I have always been apposed to both the feline house and Bear mnt/Old Primate house but now that I think about it, I feel the old primate house should be the first to renovate.
Another sad fact about the construction is the loss of a diversity Denver once had. Though renovating will be an improvement husbandry wise, Denver was a leading collection in diversity back in the day...