b'58 FNLTERMINALSmaterials that reflect nature to create a warm and cohesive PHOTO: PATRICK EDMONSON OF PHOCO PHOTOGRAPHYaesthetic throughout.Upon entering the terminal, passengers have clear visual cues to their next stops. The ticketing counters are prominently placed, and key areas such as the TSA checkpoint, restrooms and rental car counters are all in plain sight. The design emphasizes clarity and simplicity to make navigating the facility easy for guests. Interior finishes were selected to create a calming atmosphere, especially for families and/or leisure travelers. In the departure and arrivals lounge, designers provided a variety of seating and table options. It feels a little more like a hospitality setup than a traditional terminal, Aronson comments.One of his personal priorities was making the TSA checkpoint not feel like a TSA checkpoint. To counter the typical stress many passengers feel in this area, the design team incorporated high ceilings and a large, glazed window at the end of the security lane that frames a view of Longs Peak. The nearby recomposure area was added to help travelers transition smoothly toward the departure gates, with a picturesque The new indoor baggage claim carousel is a notable upgrade.Colorado mountain landscape for added calm. The design teams future-focused planning includes potentialParking Improvementsintegration with bus networks and other transportation modes. Building a new parking lot, rather than refurbishing the existing Stakeholders emphasized the importance of a strong sense ofone, proved to be a valuable improvement, Widmier notes. place to give arriving passengers the immediate feeling of being inAlthough adding it late in construction posed some challenges, Northern Coloradoan area defined by innovation and a strongthe enhancement ultimately completed the facility and added to connection to nature. They wanted the new terminal to showcasethe projects overall lifespan.local arts and culture, and integrate technology and innovation, allParking for the new terminal was configured to allow efficient while planning for long-term flexibility. Ideas such as incorporatingingress and egress, with typical airport traffic flow patterns. a business center, hosting events and creating space for a futureDuring the design phase, Dibble completed a traffic and roadway restaurant were discussed during broader site planning.analysis to evaluate access from Interstate 25 and determine To establish a Northern Colorado vibe, designers specifiedappropriate lane configurations, signage and potential road local sandstone and patinaed metal panels for the buildingmodifications.exteriora combination reminiscent of the sage-green lichenIn its current form, the transportation seen on rocks while hiking in the area.and parking infrastructure supports During construction, Hensel Phelps tookexisting operations, but plans are in place extra care to ensure the building wouldto accommodate the potential addition of be weathertight despite its mix of exteriorcommercial airline service. We have a design finishes. We successfully coordinateddeveloped right now that will allow for the with our trades to ensure all details wereexpansion and facilitate that growth, so thatJARED BASSproperly installed, and the building passedit flows well with the growth, explains Jared the air barrier testing, says Project ManagerBass, senior project manager and airport Ashleigh Widmier. ASHLEIGH WIDMIER development group leader at Dibble. When those triggering events happen, like additional destinations or airlines, were ready A butterfly roof creates an inviting entry, and a prominent frontand know how to implement those updated future designs.overhang protects travelers arriving in vehicles during inclement weather.Sustainability Inside, the terminal was designed with the well-being ofThe project team targeted Leadership in Energy and travelers in mind. Everything is located on one level to keepEnvironmental Design (LEED) certification from the beginning. A circulation simple and intuitive. Kinney describes the space asplanned solar panel on the terminal roof will supply approximately open and easy to navigate, with a natural flow that minimizes20% of the buildings total energy needs and will likely help the need for excessive signage and avoids sensory overload.achieve LEED Silver certification.Designers selected earth-tone concrete floors and finish July | August 2025AirportImprovement.com'