Airport seeks contractors for makeover
The planned $430 million modernization of Hartsfield-Jackson International will challenge airport officials and contractors to renovate the terminal and concourses while also keeping the world’s busiest airport humming.
One example: A canopy will be added to cover the curbside area, and keeping the curbside open during the improvements will be “one of our early challenges,” airport assistant director of project management Todd McClendon said Tuesday at a meeting with contractors interested in the project.
Gate areas on concourses will also have to be updated without closing gates, McClendon said. That will require working at night and cleaning up before flights restart each morning.
“We’re an airport first, and a construction site second,” McClendon said.
Officials at the city-owned airport announced the rehab last month. Work is expected to start by 2016 and be finished by the end of 2017. In coming months, the airport will select joint venture teams to do the work.
The domestic terminal atrium will be redone with a “park-like setting,” McClendon said. “It’s going to be a pretty big change. I think its time has passed. It needs to be updated.” More glass will be added to bring natural light into the terminal.
The renovation will also add amenities such as charging outlets in the atrium. Many gate areas on concourses now offer charging outlets at seats, but the atrium has not had as many.
“There’s a huge demand. Everyone’s got a cell phone and a laptop,” McClendon said.
And because main checkpoint security lines at the busiest times back up into the atrium and sometimes all the way to the meet-and-greet area for arriving passengers, the airport plans to expand the switchback queuing area. Signs throughout the airport will also be replaced.
The modernization is “the most important project at the airport” currently, McClendon said. “It’s going to be a pretty big face-lift, from the time the customer checks in at the curb to the time they go through the checkpoint.”
About the Author
As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.
