A planned hotel to be built just steps away from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is seen as an opportunity to add a "world-class" amenity for travelers and boost airport revenue -- but the project is still awaiting a review to see if it would interfere with radar.
The proposed InterContinental hotel, which would be built just outside the west exit of the Atlanta airport's domestic terminal, is planned to be 11 stories high, including parking built underneath the hotel, according to Hartsfield-Jackson spokesman Reese McCranie.
A Federal Aviation Administration study was not completed because some details of the project changed. According to the FAA, the airport will resubmit its proposal and the FAA will study the project to determine if it would affect facilities such as radar and air traffic procedures.
"If there are effects, we would work with the airport to try and mitigate them," according to the FAA.
According to the airport, the hotel falls within height restrictions.
"It will not be any taller than what is currently allowed," according to McCranie. "We are working with the FAA on any possible impact the hotel would have on their operations -- such as radar. We don't anticipate there would be any major concerns but we are ready to work with the FAA if there are."
Hartsfield-Jackson has a radar facility is on what's known as "Radar Hill," a site that offers "an amazing view of the Atlanta skyline," according to the airport's website.
The team selected to build the airport hotel, along with a commercial development and travel plaza, includes Atlanta-based developer Carter, Majestic Realty Co. and GPM Investments LLC.
The InterContinental hotel is expected to be designed by project architect John Portman & Associates. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has said the hotel development will help to diversify revenue for the airport.
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