b'TERMINALSABQ49minimize impact on daily operations. The first step to reducing impact on customers was relocating the TSA checkpoint, a shift that brought passenger screening operations forward in the terminal and created more space for post-security concessions. Beginning in September 2022, pre-security concessions were shut down (in fact, one had never reopened after closing at the start of the pandemic) and crews demolished all the units and their support spaces, as well as some airport office space. LiteBarrier temporary walls from STARC Systems were installed to separate the demolition and subsequent construction from passenger areas. To accommodate TSA equipment at the new checkpoint location, project designers raised the ceiling about 14 feet, which required the existing rooftop HVAC and electrical infrastructure be removed and replaced. Raising the ceiling Modernizing HVAC, plumbing,Like many airports designed pre-9/11,also made the space mechanical, electrical and ITthe concessions program was off balancegrander, brighter, infrastructure, and adding upgradedwith too many pre-security offerings andmore inviting and fire protection infrastructure, includingnot enough post-security. We had threemore comfortable, sprinklers in areas that did notretail units and two food and beveragenotes Ted Grumblatt, previously have them; and units pre-security, Manriquez explains.a principal with Establishing a new Food Hall,Obviously they were not performing wellFBT Architects. adding retail shops on either sidein the post-9/11 era, and we thought itLighting wasTED GRUMBLATTof the T-connector (between twowas time to make the shift.specifically designed to provide a calming concourses) and enhancing retailEfforts took a temporary pause duringenvironment, particularly in the passenger and food/beverage offerings in boththe COVID-19 pandemic; and oncequeuing area, he adds. concourses planning resumed, the airport was able toThis phase took about a year, withThe project also prominently featuresfurther sharpen the concessions programthe new TSA checkpoint opening in artwork to help passengers relax,based on post-pandemic performance.December 2023 and marking the first recharge and explore. In fact, the projectWe really kicked the project backmajor milestone of the project. After the name itself was inspired by a bronzeinto high gear in terms of design andold checkpoint was closed, construction sculpture titled Dream of Flightaformulating the RFPs for the new retailcrews demolished it and prepared that celebration of the regions culturaland food and beverage concessions,space for ABQs new Food Hall, which legacy by Lincoln Fox that portrays anManriquez relates.opened in December 2024.indigenous man being pulled into the skyAt the same time, airport leadersPassengers pass directly through the by a soaring eagle. It previously residedidentified other improvements thatcentralized food and beverage area as at the T-connector but was relocated tocould be addressed. That list includedthey make their way from the security the center of the new Food Hall above aupgrades to critical infrastructure, such ascheckpoint to the gates. The expansive stage that will host local performers.security and communication technology,hall features high ceilings, large skylights, The city of Albuquerque purchased andfire suppression systems and renovationart, a music stage and seven concessions commissioned several new pieces for theof holdrooms and the observation deck.units arranged around the central project as well.Manriquez estimates that fully one-thirdspace with what Manriquez describes of the $90 million budget is made up ofas plussed up furniture and luxurious Right-Sizing Retail infrastructure upgrades.seating arrangements. Large windows Planning for the modernization projectJaynes was selected as theprovide views of the airfield and beyond began in 2018 and initially focused onconstruction manager at risk, and itto the Sandia Mountains. right-sizing the concessions program.phased renovation work carefully to AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'