New Terminal Project at John Glenn International Airport Breaks Ground

Monday December 23, 2024

Hensel Phelps attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for the New Terminal Project at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), state, local and federal officials and community members participated in this momentous celebration.

The Terminal Groundbreaking Ceremony at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport photographed Monday, December 9, 2024, at the airport in Columbus, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

This milestone project begins Hensel Phelps’ relationship with CRAA and establishes our presence in the Ohio market. Hensel Phelps teamed with Columbus-based general contractor Elford, who will be an integrated partner throughout the project. The Hensel Phelps + Elford team will provide preconstruction and construction services for the project.

The project will replace the existing terminal which originally opened in 1958. Designed by Gensler in partnership with local architect Moody Nolan, the new 1,000,000 SF terminal will increase its capacity to service more than 13 million passengers annually and provide a modern and welcoming gateway to the fast-growing Central-Ohio region. Following the completion of the New Terminal Project, the existing terminal will be demolished to allow room for future expansion.

Many Hensel Phelps leaders attended the event, including Regional Vice President David Brooke and Chief Administrative Officer Matt McCaulley.

It has been fulfilling to see our team integrate into the Columbus community and witness the amazing relationships built between our partners. We are honored to support the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s incredible vision to bring this new landmark facility to Central Ohio. Congratulations to everyone involved for the significant efforts that made this remarkable groundbreaking possible.

David Brooke, Regional Vice President, Hensel Phelps

We are truly honored to be selected as CRAA’s partner on a landmark project that will transform the future of aviation in Columbus. We found an ideal local partner in Elford. They bring values that align perfectly with ours and a 113-year history in the Columbus region. Together, we are committed to fulfilling CRAA’s vision for the New Terminal Project in a way that is collaborative, inclusive and maximizes benefits to local business and the Central Ohio community.

Matt McCaulley, Chief Administrative Officer, Hensel Phelps
Image provided by Gensler with Moody Nolan

The new facility incorporates an improved terminal approach to streamline passenger movement through security, provide more accessible amenities and allow for more sustainable building features.

Smoother Processes

The improved terminal will include pedestrian bridge access that links the ground transportation center and parking garage to the facility’s entrance. This will allow safe travel from the airport to access cars, rideshares and pickup locations. The airport will also have one centralized security checkpoint that will streamline the screening process and allow passengers to quickly proceed to their gates.

Accessible amenities

The terminal’s gates will center around a marketplace that emphasizes local food and beverage options. This will provide a relaxing place to wait for flights and shorter walking distances to the gates. In addition, sensory rooms, family restrooms, pet relief areas, and multiple nursing rooms will ensure that all passengers’ needs are met.

Sustainable features

The new terminal incorporates sustainable features, including self-adjusting, energy-efficient smart glass to provide natural light, reduce glare and create a more comfortable environment for passengers. LED and motion-sensor fixtures will be installed throughout the building. In addition, 250 electric vehicle chargers will be provided to meet the growing demand for charging stations.