b'16 RNO TERMINALSThe elevator core is clad in blue aluminum composite material as anotes. McCarthy was collaborative, proactivethey put a lot of design reference to Lake Tahoe. The lighted top changes colors.effort and a lot of thought into how we can make this all work. Passenger feedback received by RTAA indicates that the project was minimally disruptive, she adds. Harris, representing the builders viewpoint, similarly highlights teamwork. Having the right culture makes all the difference, which was a major success for this project, Harris notes. The aligned cultures of RTAA, RS&H and McCarthy created a great environment to work in. Engaging airlines and other stakeholders early and consistently involving them in planning and construction coordination meetings was also essential, he adds. Harris also encourages other airports to consider pursuing the construction manager at risk (CMAR) delivery method instead of traditional bidding. The CMAR process lends itself to collaboration and involvement of all parties from early design PHOTO: RENO-TAHOE AIRPORT AUTHORITY through completion, he says.The firms working together as a cohesive and collaborative teamChevlin from RS&H is a huge proponent of the method, made it possible to push the limits and get creative, he adds.too. During design, the architect needs to see the contractor Chevlin notes that fluctuating material costs was one of theas their right-hand entityand that they work closely and biggest challenges during the project. A main concern that wecollaboratively together as one team, using the contractor as an deemed a great opportunity was to solve the challenge of howintegral member of the design team, he notes. And then during the design team and the CMAR working as a team with theconstruction, that flips into the contractor seeing the architect as RTAA could achieve the financial goals of the client and keep thisthe right-hand person, working together. within budget, he says. For example, the cost of the glazing forKimley-Horns Heinbaugh notes that communication and 14-foot curtain wall that covers nearly the entire 450 feet of thecoordination are important with any project, but they were absolutely Ticketing Hall increased 40% in the last month of the processcritical at RNO, where two significant projects were occurring at the to establish the guaranteed maximum price. The team had tosame time within the same general space. We knew that despite quickly decide whether to change the design or the materials tohaving very detailed and well-thought-out construction timing and accommodate the cost increase. In resolving the issue, the teamphasing plans, schedules were likely to evolve, he reflects. As considered the potential need for value engineeringdeterminingsuch, it was critical to establish requirements in our specifications for how to meet the project budget without compromising thethe two contractors to coordinate and accommodate work on both programmatic and aesthetic design goals. Through simpleprojects, while also ensuring readily available access for the airports tweaks with other materials and validating pricing with McCarthycustomers at all times.during the draft Guaranteed Maximum Price reviews, no major changes were needed to the curtain wall. More to Come The overall budget also posed a potential challenge. WeThe recently completed Ticketing Hall expansion is just the found a few surprises along the way but overcame them allbeginning of RTAAs MoreRNO Infrastructure Program. After thanks to the collaboration of the entire project team, Harristhe Loop Road reconstruction wraps up this year, the spotlight recalls, noting that the project came in more than $1 millionwill shift to a new Ground Transportation Center, which will be under budget. built by a private developer. The $299 million project will replace RNOs existing rental car operation and co-locate rental cars Advice for Others with transportation network companies, shuttles and taxis, in a Above all, Griffin suggests finding the right team for a Ticketingsingle facility located about a three-minute walk from baggage Hall expansion. Its all about the people, he emphasizes. Initially,claim. Enabling work begins this summer; the new Ground RTAA was apprehensive about keeping the airport open andTransportation Center is expected to open in 2028. operating 365 days a year throughout construction, especiallyThe airport is also in the early design stages of replacing both working around the Ticketing Hall and security checkpoint.concourses and all 23 of its gates. The $570 million project, set Having a great team is really essential, because thats the onlyto begin next year, will increase concessions space, add gate way youre going to figure it out, says Griffin. space for larger aircraft and upgrade technology for improved Twitchell agrees that the project could have been more difficultairline scheduling and shared kiosks. and impactful on travelers if the team had not cooperated soWhen its all done, it will be a new airport in many ways, well. Both RS&H and McCarthy were great to work with, sheGriffin remarks. July | August 2024AirportImprovement.com'