b'16 SRQTERMINALSThe concessions lineup includes regionalDiamond. Undocumented changes, including tenant alterations,Our innovations arenonstopfavorites, including Patricks 1481.proved to be one of the biggest challenges at SRQ, she notes. On the plus side, clearly defined reroutes, pre-planned signage and updated maintenance records helped smooth the construction process.Similarly, Money, from Arora Engineers, says it is helpful toBobrick simplifies your airport restroom specs understand the airport facilities linked through the existing fiberwithinclusive, value-added solutions.optic network, which aids in planning the reconfiguration ofBOBRICK.COM/AIRPORTcurrent duct banks and handholes or manholes. It is beneficial to investigate, early in the design phase, existing underground utilities, such as fiber optic backbone running in existing PHOTO: SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY underground communications duct bank within the proposed footprint of the new building, she notes. This approach helps airport operations were relatively minor because the new concourseminimize disruption to airport operations and facilities. was added at the end of the ticketing lobby. However, his crewsSpeaking from the contractors point of view, Pope identifies had to work side-by-side with other contractors that were extendingtrust, open communication and strong collaboration between the the curbside area and adding overhead signage in front of theAirport Authority, design team and contractor as key factors. She ticketing lobby. We found ways to work around those challengesreports that challenges at SRQ were addressed constructively, and mitigate any impacts to them and the airport, says Smith.and the partnership has been positive. Theres a lot of respect The project team also faced three hurricanes, whichand trust at the table, she comments. Selecting somebody cumulatively impacted crews for 30 to 40 workdays. We had tothats going to enhance the objective is paramount.obviously prepare for the hurricane, come back and clean up, andHaving the right stakeholders involved and actively engaged is then get back to work, Smith explains. We overcame them withessential to any major project, adds Jessica Smith of Gresham the assistance of [Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority], the designSmith. Theres no way this project could be this successful team, our trade partners and maintained that end dateand metwithout the airports active participation in that decision making the commitments we made to everybody while maintaining theand helping push things forward, she shares.original budget. oasis cubicles recessed napkin - welded - frameLike most other projects at the time, SRQs terminal expansionAnother key consideration throughout the Concourse A projecttampon dispenser mirrorwas not spared pandemic-related supply chain delays. Majorwas planning for the future. Decisions were made strategicallyrecessed automaticcomponents, such as electrical panels, HVAC systems and ato avoid obstacles for future expansion and to align with thehand dryergenerator had lead times exceeding a year, requiring creativeairports master plan. A forward-thinking approach required solutions to stay on track. It was a major obstacle in ourcurrent developments to support long-term growth. That was schedule, Pope recalls.a conscious strategy that was always present in the process, reports Wilson, from Gresham Smith.Temporary generators and chillers were used until permanent equipment arrived, and crews worked continuously when theyLooking Aheadfinally arrived. We had pre-planned with our trade partners toBeyond the Concourse A terminal expansion, SRQ is finishing be able to work multiple shifts to cut their install time down to beseveral projects in the coming months, including a new baggage able to hold the end date, Smith explains. The ultimate goal washandling and screening system, ramp expansion, two new surface to hold the original turnover date to the owner. parking lots (adding about 1,000 spaces) and a new cell phone Permitting also presented a significant challenge, as theparking lot. project required approvals from Sarasota County for building andThe airport will also open a new ground transportation centerautomatic multi - feedsite development, and Manatee County for water and sewer.early this year. It will provide connections to Uber, Lyft and taxisoap dispensing systemBontrager notes that managing two different permitting agenciesservices, shuttles and both Manatee and Sarasota bus systems. added complexity, but both counties were committed to keepingThe center will include a lounge for drivers, vending machines, the project on track and worked collaboratively to expedite therestrooms and a place to get out of the Florida heat.process. Although it was challenging, they stepped up and reallyrecessed auto rollIn addition to the three new concessionaires in Concourse A,towel dispenserhelped us out, he remarks. the airport is also gaining 14 new restaurants, gift shops and bars Project Insights in Concourse B.Piccolo considers adding a ground boarding facility to be a fast,After these projects are complete, SRQ will shift focus to the affordable expansion optionparticularly for airports withoutairfield for the next few years. Projects will refurbish taxiways and considerable snowfall. Designing with long-term flexibility preventsrunways that have experienced increased commercial traffic. The costly modifications later, he adds. airport is also considering adding a $200 million terminal parking Accurate as-built records and knowledge of past modificationsgarage. are crucial for construction planning, says Pope, from DeAngelis March | April 2025AirportImprovement.comBOB_AirportImprovementMagazine_AirportAd_8.375x10.875.indd 1 3/1/25 7:26AM'