b'TERMINALSBLV 9and weve matured in a way where we can support the ultra-low- Overall, the expansion doubles the terminals square footage cost carrier model a bit better than STL.with two new floors and a partial basement. The basement was Since opening in 1997, BLV has undergone minimal updatesadded to provide shelter during tornados and other hazardous and renovations. Key goals for the current expansion projectMidwest weather events. Weve got the ability to place 900 people were increasing capacity and meeting requirements of thein the basement very comfortably, if needed, Johnson notes.Americans with Disabilities Act. Beyond doubling the overallThe ground floor of the expansion includes two TSA terminal space, the four-phase initiative will accommodatepassenger screening lanes (with space for a third), TSA offices TSA passenger processing requirements, improve passengerand staff facilities, an expanded baggage handling area with amenities and modernize the airports existing facilities.in-line screening for checked bags and a new service entrance. Were creating a pleasant, positive experience so people canPassenger flow is significantly improved, elevating the passenger enjoy their travel, Johnson says. We want to lessen anxiety; weexperience, Sander notes. Previously, screening was shoehorned want it to be comfortable, convenient and affordable. into the space. The second floor is primarily an expanded boarding lounge Expand and Refresh with two new gates, family-assist restrooms, a room for nursing In May 2019, Phase 1 of the project kicked off with infrastructuremothers and a service animal relief area. One of the two ground to support the expansion. Phase 2, development of the newboarding stairways was filled in and the space was converted to terminal expansion structure, began in September 2020. In Marcha business-style boarding lounge. 2022, work inside the new terminal structure and renovations toArriving passengers now pass through an integrated exit lane the existing facility proceeded as part of Phase 3; and design forbreach control system on their way to the terminal landside. New the final Phase 4 to create a new international arrivals facility beganairport administration offices are also located here. earlier this year. As passenger numbers have grown, so has the size of aircraft The project was based on assessmentsserving BLV. Eventually, this led to cramped, inadequate holdrooms. and forecasts made by Crawford, MurphyWhen you go from having 30- or 50-seat aircraft to 100-seat & Tilly during the master planning processaircraft, you have a lot more people waiting, Sander notes. in 2017. Ty Sander, a senior vice president with the firm, explains that although BLVOriginally constructed with four gatestwo ground and two is a relatively young airport, the terminalelevatedoperational changes limited BLV to using just three. was designed and developed to pre-9/11The current expansion project added two more, bringing theTY SANDER total to five.security standards. When passenger and baggage screening processes changed, the airport did its best toThe project includes renovations throughout the existing accommodate the new regulations, but it was a bit awkward in53,500-square-foot terminal to better accommodate passengers the space, says Sander.with disabilities. Changes include a larger elevator, accessible Accessibility requirements also changed over the years. Most ofseating and a curbless roadway at the terminal entrance. all, the terminal was reaching capacity limits from an operations perspective and simply needed more space as commercial traffic continued to rise rapidly. In the 2010s, BLV jumped from around 10,000 enplanements to nearly 160,000 in 2019. HOK joined the airports expansionHelping airports unlock project in mid-2018 as it moved fromtheir greatest potential.initial concept into early design. Like any facility of its time, BLV needed general updates to meet current standards and customer expectations. Travelers want a lot more natural lighting and pleasant colors, Johnson relates. And wayfinding signage is@cmtengrs | cmtengr.comvery important. They also expect Wi-Fi access, plenty of charging outlets and a variety of food and beverage options.Learn more about what CMT Tailwind Hospitality Inc. was brought oncan do for you:as the new food and beverage vendor to offer a fresh look, fresh brand. AirportImprovement.comNovember | December 2023'