Executive Summary

In May 2021, MKS began operations as Construction Manager for Fort Wayne International Airport's new West Terminal expansion and renovation. With 45,000 sq ft of new space plus 47,000 sq ft of renovations, a total of 159,000 sq ft would allow more room at each gate for larger aircraft. The updates to the new terminal included baggage handling and a fully in-line Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS), front entries, new curb front drive canopies, and the addition of two additional passenger gates, new men's and women's facilities, new glass passenger boarding jet bridges, new family restroom, two mother's rooms, multi-sensory room, a cane trail, a service pet area, and new children's play area.

SOLUTION

According to FWA's website, Project Gateway wanted to make a great "first impression to the city of Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana community."

FWA wished to "enhance and expand" its terminal building to support the region's growth through a "best-in-class airport terminal."

The overall goal of the new expansion experience centered around these themes:

Providing sufficient length of curbside of passenger drop-off and pick-up that has intuitive wayfinding and is sheltered from inclement weather.
Sense of human scale - redesigning a new curb front canopy with a lower profile that still provides the same coverage but at a lower height.
Intuitive wayfinding - utilizing building design elements to highlight the entrance points of the building with means other than signage with an emphasis on intuitive wayfinding.
Exterior appeal - utilizing design elements to create a fresh, modern, and cohesive exterior language to the terminal curbfront.
A new checked baggage inspection system (CBIS) was installed for outgoing baggage that would replace a labor-intensive manual system with a computerized conveyor system that handles and sorts all outgoing baggage with new bag scanners and a screening room.

CHALLENGE

The entire endeavor primarily occurred during the ongoing COVID pandemic, which presented its unique challenges. The team had wisely continued only to bring in work they were confident they could complete with high-quality workmanship and on-time schedules.

"We were able to get in there and press the schedule with our self-perform crews and management team setting the pace for the entire project," says Bill Kinder, CEO.

"As we encountered obstacles, our team was able to expeditiously make adjustments, working with our subcontractors and the Owner in harmony with agreeable logistics and scheduling modifications to overcome these obstacles, accomplishing the goals of the entire construction team and client."

Completing the project and maintaining an operational airport was tough. Numerous electrical shutdowns were needed to replace and upgrade the entire switchgear for the project. These shutdowns were limited until after the last flight and 2 hours before the first flight the next day, which typically only left 3-4 hours between midnight and 4:00 AM, and even that was hard to plan as incoming flights would experience delays. Phasing and barricade planning were challenging and fluid to maintain a positive passenger experience and complete the difficult scope of work in a tight timeframe. There were over 25 phases and sub-phases needed to complete the project scope. This made permitting, scheduling, and punch list very difficult.

While COVID has played havoc with many businesses' daily operations, Bill Kinder says it's also been leaned on unnecessarily as the reason for delays. "People at times will use it as an excuse, and that's something we have not been tolerating as a company," he says. "We believe there are issues with it, but how do we work around it? How do we plan for it and overcome it? It should not be the 'easy button' when it can be overcome with good planning and communications," he stresses. "Our drive to provide superior planning on the front end with current market conditions in mind and earning the trust of our clients has resulted in the need for company growth and expansion."

OUTCOME

Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports, says, "This portion of the West Terminal Expansion and Rehabilitation project has been greatly anticipated and showcases the airport's growth over recent years. Airport staff is excited to show off this modern space, as well as features that will continue to position FWA as an inclusive airport for all travelers."

According to Mead & Hunt, the architect for the west expansion, the terminal expansion at Fort Wayne International Airport "enables the airport to meet existing and near-term air service demands by setting up the building for efficient and effective future expansion, and creating an experience that makes the community proud of their airport, for both its design aesthetic and its passenger experience."