Quad Cities International Airport’s board of commissioners has approved Mortenson as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for a major terminal renovation project.
This selection is the next major milestone in the multi-year project that will modernise the Illinois airport’s nearly 40-year old landside facility.
“It’s been almost nine months since we first announced what we now call Project GATEWAY,” said Benjamin Leischner, executive director, Quad Cities International Airport. “We’ve continued planning behind the scenes and part of that work was finding the right construction partner to work with our selected design team, Alliiance. The CMAR selection committee, along with our commissioners, are confident that Mortenson is exactly the right partner and will build a truly impressive facility for our region.”
The goal of Project GATEWAY, which stands for Growing the Air Travel Experience the MLI Way, is not only to modernise the aging facility, but to future-proof it to meet evolving air travel and passenger needs. Plans include moving baggage screening machines out of sight, adding a canopy to the front of the terminal, renovating restrooms to exceed ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, adding family and nursing mothers’ suites and removing the brown brick flooring in the ticketing area.
Construction and real estate specialist Mortenson will work on the project with Davenport-based Bush Construction and Chicago-based RM Chin & Associates. Mortenson was chosen not only for its aviation experience but its approach to construction, focusing on safety and minimal disruptions to operations, according to the airport operator.
“Mortenson is very proud to have been selected for this project,” said Randy Clarahan, project director, Mortenson. “The Quad Cities was my home for 20 years and where we raised our family. This project is personal for me, and I know the impact this will have on continued viability to the Quad Cities International Airport as well as enhancing the experience for each and every traveller utilising the modernised facility.”
The Mortenson team’s local connections and its partnership with Bush were important factors as the airport has committed to using local labour whenever possible. The project is expected to bring millions of federal dollars into the community in addition to creating jobs over the course of the estimated four-year project timeline.
“We are excited to be a part of this truly transformational project,” said MacAdam Glinn, principal-in-charge, Mortenson. “The Quad Cities is a fantastic community and, when completed, this project will give it the functional and attractive gateway to the world that it deserves. We are grateful for the opportunity to be the construction partner that helps make this ambitious vision a reality.”
Mortenson will work with airport leaders and Alliiance to develop schematics, and determine priorities and phasing of the project. Based on the current timeline, construction could begin as soon as late summer or early autumn 2022.
