![]() Orchestrating work in an operating terminal, Underhill notes, was a "constant coordination project" between all parties - design engineers, contractors, airport staff, airlines and passengers. And the airport is still redesigning to accommodate new processes and equipment. Security changes after 9/11 delayed the project by almost two years, he notes. "We've worked really well to keep them informed so that they could make conscious decisions as to what they truly needed versus what was originally thought back in 1996," Underhill explains. "We uncovered a lot of stuff and had to go back to redesign several times in order to incorporate the findings - whether it was a utility or a special function," he explains.Ĭommunicating with air carriers and service providers was a priority. Houston Hobby's $250 million renovation project updates an aging facility with higher ceilings and a more open feel, while preserving the character of the terminal. The ability to adjust strategies was particularly important as the team encountered surprises while building the new terminal on top of an aging facility. A flexible design and tight-knit team under a construction manager at risk format, he notes, allowed the airport to make changes throughout the project. Remodeling "in place," as Underhill calls it, posed challenges. "In between now and then, we'll look at our passenger activity levels and see if we need to design and add," he says. Thanks to the renovation, the terminal can now comfortably handle 12 million to 15 million passengers, Underhill says, and should suffice until 2020. The number of passengers at Hobby has remained steady since the mid-1990s at about 8 million. "And we wanted to maintain our charm, convenience and the type of airport we are a low-cost domestic airport," Underhill adds. The airport's new layout, he adds, is flexible, with designs in place for an additional east or west concourse with more gates if needed.īecause Houston Hobby's terminal building is landlocked by roads and aviation businesses, expansion had to occur within the constraints of the existing terminal. Back then, the focus was improving customer service without changing the basic footprint. When planning began, "It was a much different security world," relates Underhill. New security requirements following 9/11 and airline mergers prompted a redesign with a central concourse, a single security checkpoint and only 25 gates. For example, plans originally called for a terminal building with east and west wings and a total of 32 gates. The details of the renovation program have been reworked over time to adapt to changes in security requirements and the ever-evolving landscape of the airline business, Underhill notes. Phase Two, totaling $120 million, included redesign and construction of the ticket lobby as well as redesign and construction of the baggage claim area - including floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, fire alarms, signage, rental car counters, signage and restrooms. ![]() Phase One of the project, reports McClinton, cost $130 million and included: demolition of the existing terminals construction of the new central concourse design and construction of a connector bridge construction of five new gates and passenger loading bridges apron work and relocating the airport's radio navigation system to the roof. Substantial completion is expected late this year. And we're able to retain that convenience and charm even with the construction."Ĭonstruction associated with the Hobby Renovation Program began in 2006, relates Marlene McClinton, public information officer for the Houston Airport System (HAS). "That's what our passengers, customers like about it. "This airport is convenient and has a charm about it," says Ross Underhill, Houston Hobby's operations manager. Of Note: New terminal was built on top of existing facility Outbound Baggage System & EDS: Vanderlande In-Bound Baggage System: G&S Airport Conveyor Hobby Airport (Houston)Ĭoncourse Construction Manager at Risk: Clark Construction Groupīaggage Claim General Contractor: Clark Construction Group Fast-forward to 2006 when the City of Houston Department of Aviation, which operates and maintains the airport, embarked on a $250 million renovation and modernization program designed to meet future demand while also preserving Hobby's character. At the time, the 40-year-old terminal was handling roughly 8 million passengers and was already in need of updates. Planning for the renovation currently underway at William P.
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