Civic, aviation, business and labor leaders officially break ground on the new $1.5 billion terminal at Kansas City International Airport.
(Clarkson Construction photo)
The Kansas City Aviation Department joined the city of Kansas City, Mo., major airlines, developer Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Clark-Weitz-Clarkson, organized labor and business representatives March 25 to celebrate the long-awaited launch of the construction phase of a $1.5 billion modern single terminal at Kansas City International Airport.
Hundreds of Kansas Citians attended the event, which included the ceremonial first turning of the dirt and the start of demolition activities at Terminal A.
"On behalf of the entire airline community, we are excited to be part of this journey and celebrate such an incredible milestone for the city," said Kyle O'Neal, senior regional leader, airport affairs, Southwest Airlines. "The new terminal will support more efficient airline operations and allow airport users to enjoy the convenience of modern air travel in a facility with updated technology and amenities, close parking, spacious gate areas, and ample food and beverage options."
At just over 1 million sq. ft., the Kansas City International Airport New Terminal is the largest single infrastructure project in the city's history. It will have a profound and lasting economic impact on the region in the form of new jobs, opportunities for local and small businesses, and a first-class traveler experience for airport users, according to planners.
The facility will open with 39 gates and the ability to expand up to 50 gates in the future. It also will include a 6,300-space parking structure, which will be constructed adjacent to the terminal building, a central utility plant, and landside and airside improvements.
Mitch Holthus, the announcer for the Kansas City Chiefs, emcees the groundbreaking ceremony at Kansas City International Airport. (Clarkson Construction photo)
"We're excited to move forward on this landmark project for Kansas City and eager to put men and women to work," said Geoff Stricker, Edgemoor managing director. "This has been a great partnership with the city and airline partners, and we look forward to building on that to deliver an exceptional new terminal for travelers and the airlines alike."
Edgemoor has partnered with design-builder Clark-Weitz-Clarkson to construct the New Terminal. The construction joint venture, which comprises of Clark Construction Group LLC, The Weitz Company and Clarkson Construction Company, has collectively delivered more than 40 aviation projects nationwide. Skidmore Owings & Merrill is the project designer.
The New Terminal project is expected to generate up to 5,000 construction-related jobs. Sixty local partners are already at work on the project, including 41 minority- and women-owned businesses. Edgemoor has pledged to maximize opportunities for local minority and women-owned firms, setting ambitious participation goals for 20 percent minority-owned and 15 percent women-owned businesses for professional and construction services, respectively.
"The new KCI is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to benefit working families and our broader community in a number of ways," said Alise Martiny of the Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council. "Kansas City has one of the strongest and best qualified labor communities in the country. This will be an outstanding project with all the skilled trades and crafts from throughout our region, working together."
The New Terminal project will be funded using 100 percent tax-exempt debt, which city officials say is the most cost-efficient approach for the project. When complete, the new facility will replace the airport's aging terminals, which opened in 1972.
"With the launch of the ‘Build KCI' phase of the project, it will serve as the official source for up-to-the-minute construction news for passengers and members of the greater Kansas City community," said Pat Klein, Kansas City aviation director. "We will continue to champion the benefits of the new single terminal and how it will be a valued asset to Kansas City."
The New Terminal will be built in the footprint of the airport's existing Terminal A, which has been decommissioned. Interior demolition operations will begin this spring; structural demolition is expected to begin mid to late-April. The new terminal is expected to open in early 2023.
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