b'30 MLI BAGGAGEscreened in the new facility, out of sight. Ramp workers then move screened baggage onto carts and out to departing aircraft. The entire process is faster for passengers, counter agents, TSAA Small, but Meaningful, Changeofficers and airport operations staff. While kicking off its long-term terminal renovation, Quad Leischner and Goetz report that the new facility enhances bothCities International Airport (MLI) also completed a branding security and the passenger experience. The baggage handlingand marketing makeover. The new strategy by MindFire and security are safer and leaner, adds Clarahan. Communications included an updated logo (see Page 24) and Upgrading the entire baggage handlingslight change to the airport name, from Quad City to Quad Cities. system not only decluttered the lobby, butThe subtle modification was made to better reflect the region MLI also significantly improved both the efficiencyserves and be more consistent with other local names.and security of baggage processing behindThe Quad Cities region straddles the Mississippi River and the scenes, says Marlin Jackson, MLIsincludes four cities in two states:Rock Island and Moline in facilities manager. Northwest Illinois, and Bettendorf and Davenport in Eastern In keeping with the airports commitmentIowa. MLI is located in Moline, on the Illinois side of the river. to hire local companies for Project GATEWAY,MARLIN JACKSON MindFire also revamped the airports website to be more 11 of Mortensons 15 subcontractors and suppliers for Phaseuser-friendly, mobile-friendly and ADA-compliant. Changes One were based in the Quad Cities. Only two were from outsideincluded updated color contrast, font size and iconography. Illinois and Iowa. In addition, more than 96% of the labor hoursIn addition, a bifurcated audience approach was introduced were logged by employees who live in the Quad Cities. early in the design process, with two distinct buttonsone for travelers and one for business usersto streamline paths and Human Factors reduce user friction.Goetz emphasizes that working closely with TSA and the airlinesTo eliminate excessive scrolling on mobile devices, helped ensure the passenger experience wasnt disturbed duringhomepage content was cut by 25%, allowing users to reach construction and renovations. It was important to have continuitytheir web destination faster and with less frustration. Fast of operations, adds Leischner. We didnt want the airlines, theload times, clean layouts, and small-screen responsiveness other stakeholders and partners, and passengers to be negativelywere prioritized, and accessibility was enhanced through impacted during the process. improved text sizing, stronger color contrast and more To maintain engagement and build excitement, the airportintuitive iconography.offered tours of the project site every two weeks. It alsoThe color palette was refined to reduce eye strain celebrated milestones along the way, including asking everyoneand better align with ADA standards, and an application involved to sign the final beam before it was swung into place.programming interface for the FlyMyAirport widget was The groundbreaking was attended by U.S. Senator Dick Durbinintegrated at the top of the homepage and in all internal and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen, who returned for the finalfooters to improve functionality across devices.ribbon-cutting ceremony.We started those conversations early with our tenants, including TSA, our largest regulatory body and tenant, which helped meet our goals, recalls Goetz. Taking a collaborativePhasing in More Renovationsapproach early built a lot of camaraderie, cooperation and goodPhase Two of Project GATEWAY, designed by Mead & Hunt of will throughout the project. We got buy-in from everybody. Middleton, WI, will continue focusing on interior pre-security Leischner interprets the strong community support for theimprovements.project as evidence of how well-regarded the airport is. Goetz notes that replacing the rest of the brick flooring will Maintaining the schedule was one of the biggest challenges,make public areas more passenger-friendly and ADA-compliant. but everyone worked together to make it happen, shares Dirks.Related renovations include modernizing the restrooms, adding Communication and coordination were key to coming in ondedicated companion care restrooms and nursing mother suites, time. Our electrician (Tri City Electric) did a meticulous job ofand relocating the public meeting space and boardroom to a the electrical installation, which allowed us to complete themore accessible and functional area.commissioning/startup process with almost no issues, he notes. Outside, the airport plans to add a curbside canopy for weather I think all of the coordination on the airside and working withprotection and create an observation area for guests.TSA and airport operations is a tribute to the team on site, saysWork for Phase Two is scheduled to begin late this fall and Clarahan. They were phenomenal, and made this successful.be completed in 12 to 15 months, with a provisional six-month Im proud of the team that delivered this project safely withoutextension to allow for delays associated with potential tariffs on incident. Having good, trusting relationships with open lines ofmaterials that need to be imported.communication is key.July | August 2025AirportImprovement.com'