b'62 MCI n ERMINAL ity Intl Sets New StandardsK T a SCa s sfor Accessibility and Inclusiveness BY KRISTIN V. SHAWFACTS&FIGURES Project: New TerminalLocation: Kansas City (MO) Intl AirportStraddling the border of two states,wasnt until 2013 that the city council cast a Owner: City of Kansas City Aviation Dept. Kansas City has some parts inwide net to explore the communitys needs. Terminal Size: 1 million sq. ft.Kansas and other parts in Missouri.As a result, a new single-terminal design was Cost: $1.5 billion While that can prove confusing, its crystal clearproposed with data to back it up, and voters Strategy: Replace 3 outdated terminals with 1that the whole region is rallying behind the newoverwhelmingly approved the project near the updated facility designed to be accessible for allterminal at Kansas City International Airportend of 2017. visitors(MCI), which is on the Missouri side of town. Developer: Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real EstateScheduled to open next spring, the newAiming HighArchitect: Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill terminal will include 1 million new square feet ofWhen Former Kansas City Mayor Sly James space, 39 gates, 6,150 parking spaces and theput together a terminal task force in 2013, Design Build Joint Venture:the Aviation Department didnt know how Clark|Weitz|Clarkson arrivals and departures split into two levels for customer convenience and better traffic flow.many gates it needed, nor had it engaged the Joint Venture Members: Clark ConstructionLocally, the $1.5 billion initiative is the largestairlines. It was all very conceptual at that point. Group (lead builder); The Weitz Company; ClarksonConversely, Mayor James had a specific focus in Construction (local construction partner) single infrastructure project in the citys history. With features such as a sensory room, all- mind based on community input. He tasked MCI Timeline: Request for proposals issued in 2017,leaders with building the most inclusive, most awarded that fall; construction began in 2019;gender restrooms and provisions that will allow terminal slated to open spring 2023extra-wary travelers to practice clearing securityaccessible airport terminal in the world, and the Accessibility/Inclusivity Features: Sensoryand boarding a real aircraft, the terminal isAviation Department took his vision to heart. Room; Meditation/Quiet Room; all-gender restrooms,setting new accessibility and inclusivenessThe existing terminal some with adult changing rooms; wider passengerstandards for the entire airport industry.is only about 70 feet wide circulation areas; universally accessible childrensand one-third of a mile play area; ADA-compliant counter heights in ticketingIn its early years, MCI was at the forefront area; minimal level changes & sloped floors insteadof modern design with three terminals andlong, and theres just of ramps; military USO lounge; Airplane Simulationa drive-to-your-gate strategy. When trafficnot enough room for the Room that will allow nervous flyers chance to practicepatterns evolved and new security protocolsthings our passengers clearing security & boarding actual aircraft cabin were incorporated, the Kansas City Missourideserve, says Justin Key Benefits: Accommodating more diverseAviation Department realized changes wouldMeyer, Aviation population of visitors; updating facilities to reflectDepartment deputyJUSTIN MEYERchanges in security process & traffic flow; widerbe necessary; but recommendations for a concourses with improved amenitiessingle terminal fell flat in 1995 and 2009. Itdirector of Aviation. March | April 2022AirportImprovement.com'