b'46 ATW SPECIAL EVENTSwhich reduces respiratory triggers for those with asthma and Three of the airports four new gates opened in time for NFL Draft week.allergies. Additionally, a formal plan was implemented to minimize dust, odors, etc. during construction to protect field personnel and building occupants from airborne contaminants.A plan is also in place to reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in a landfill. The team has done a great job implementing it, and the project is currently at a 93% waste diversion rate, Lehman reported in late April. Following biophilic design principles, Mead & Hunt integrated indoor trees, plants and a freshwater feature to create a calming atmosphere for airport visitors. The objective is to mimic an outdoor setting, because Northeast Wisconsin has months of health, says Theresa Lehman, director of sustainable serviceswinter when the weather is too cold for visitors to enjoy a patio for Miron Construction.or other outdoor space. The year-round natural features added The design for the new concourse was inspired by the Lowerinside the new concourse will complement a living plant wall in Fox River Lock system. The buildings east-west orientation lendsthe original terminal building. itself to natural daylighting, and designers specified low-flow,Lehman agrees about the value of indoor trees and plants: low-flush restroom fixtures and an indoor air filtration system.Traveling causes anxiety. When people are connected to nature, Natural daylighting, LED fixtures, an energy-efficient buildingthey feel more relaxed and calmer, contributing to the elevated envelope and a high-performing mechanical system are expectedexperience. to reduce energy needs by more than 20%. Plants also contribute to high indoor air quality, she adds. High indoor air quality was also a priority. Lehman notes that theThe next phase of construction really amplifies the airports ventilation system will bring in 30% more fresh air than what thefront porch experience, notes Usher.Wisconsin building code requires, and it will be filtered with MERV 13 media to remove particles, including those as small as COVID.Looking further ahead, a roof-mounted photovoltaic array and All building materials from the vapor barrier inward are low-VOC,microgrid are on the horizon, pending the required funding. The concourse expansion was designed to take over the mechanical systems of the entire airport and leverage a 240-well geothermal field that was bid as part of the original project but has yet to be funded. The new building will be ready for that change when the geothermal project is completed, notes Usher.Were just getting started here, says Weber. This is a wholesale look at the terminal to accommodate the added capacity and provide some efficiencies where possiblebut not expand the footprint as best we can, he says. In early May, ATW will begin work to expand the front drive from three lanes to four, and also to expand the Express Park area. After the current concourse expansion is complete, the airports next priorities will be renovating the original concourse, ticketing, outbound baggage and baggage claim areas. ATW has been successful because we have focused on the customer experience and journey from the moment they step foot onto airport property to the moment they The Global Standard in leave and then turn around and land, says Weber. Our entire team is focused on how to FOD Collection make Appleton Airport faster, easier and more www.fodboss.com convenient. May | June 2025AirportImprovement.com'