41 AirportImprovement.com May | June 2026 TERMINALS CID was reflective of pre-9/11, meaning most of our concessions were pre-security checkpoint.” Beyond its functional limitations, the terminal no longer met common passenger expectations. Low ceilings, limited natural light and limited post- security concessions created an environment that felt dated and constrained—a “Cold War Eastern European feel” as Lenss used to joke. To create a better first and last impression for the region, airport leadership developed a long-term, holistic strategy. Rather than planning one large, single project, CID used a phased approach that eventually proved essential to its success. Work was divided into four phases that were bid and constructed independently. This allowed the airport to maintain operational continuity while retaining the flexibility to pause, adjust or accelerate work as needed. “The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission [which operates CID] took that approach with a heavy emphasis on FACTS&FIGURES Project: Terminal Modernization & Expansion Location: Eastern Iowa Airport, in Cedar Rapids, IA Size: Added approx. 146,000 sq. ft. of new space; renovated 94,000 sq. ft. Key Components: Expanded TSA checkpoint; common-use ticketing & gates: 4 new passenger boarding bridges; larger holdrooms; post-security concessions; 2 outdoor airside patios; geothermal & solar energy systems; upgraded baggage handling; renovated restrooms & passenger amenities Approx. Cost: $121 million Funding: Airport (43%); federal (32%), including Airport Terminal Program of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; state (25%) Construction: June 2014–Jan. 2026 Key Benefits: Increased capacity & flexibility; ability to accommodate larger aircraft; enhanced passenger experience and amenities, gate and ticketing flexibility, improved security screening and circulation, improved resilience and future expandability Prime Architect: Mead & Hunt Estimating: Concord Group Civil Engineering, Owner’s Representative: Foth General Contractor (Phase 4): Rinderknecht Associates Inc. Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, & Technology Engineering: IMEG Corp. Structural Engineering: MBJ (Meyer Borgman Johnson) Geotechnical Engineering: Terracon Airside Consultant: AERO Systems Engineering Architectural Consultant for Administration-Level Interiors: OPN Architects Architectural Consultant for SSP: O’Kelly Kasprak Signage Consultant: Eidahl Environmental Design Inc. Photovoltaic & Commissioning: HGA (Hammel, Green & Abrahamson Inc.) Photovoltaic System: Acme Electric Co. Project Information Management: Submittal Exchange; Newforma Project Photographic Management: Multivista Furniture: AGATI Inc.; Arconas; Blu Dot Design & Manufacturing; Brown Jordan Co. LLC, Dauphin; Forms + Surfaces Inc.; Fun & Function LLC; Landscape Forms; Steelcase; Triplett Office Solutions; Workspace Inc. Passenger Boarding Bridges: JBT AeroTech Corp. (now Oshkosh AeroTech) Baggage Claim Conveyors: G&S Conveyors Signage: Latitude Signage + Design Tensioned Fabric Structures: Apollo Sunguard Systems Inc. Stone: Vetter Stone Timber Connections: Cast Connex Corp. Structural Steel Erection: Cedar Valley Steel Inc. Carpet & Resilient Flooring: Commercial Flooring Co. Porcelain Wall Tile: Stonepeak Ceramics Tiling: Grazzini Brothers & Co. Acoustical & Wood Ceilings: Hargers Acoustics Inc. Concrete: Jason Smith Concrete Construction Inc. Painting & Wallcoverings: JC Toland Painting LLC Epoxy Terrazzo Flooring: Advanced Terrazzo; Kenneth Janning & Sons Inc. Concrete Ready Mix: King’s Material Inc. Spray Foam Insulation: Kinzler Construction Services Elevators: KONE Inc. Common-Use Technology: AeroCloud Window Treatments & Toilet Accessories: Heartland Finishes Inc. Wall, Floor & Ceiling Expansion Joint Cover Assemblies: Inpro Corp. Fire Sprinkler System: Continental Fire Sprinkler Co. East Cargo Building Demolition: D.W. Zinser Company Inc. Sitework: Metro-Pavers Inc. Aluminum Glass & Glazing: Mid-American Glazing Systems Inc. Metal Wall & Soffit Panel, Sheet Metal Flashing: Modern Builders Inc. Joint Sealants: Mt Vernon Construction Inc. Rebar Installation: Nelson Rebar Inc. Electrical System: Neumiller Electric Inc. Rebar Supply: Nucor Rebar Fabrication Midwest LLC Tubular Skylights: Ogden & Adams Building Solutions Drywall, Metal Studs, Batt Insulation: Pearson Wall Systems Inc. Excavation, Rock, Aggregate Piers: Peterson Contractors Inc. Geothermal: QC Geothermal Inc. Glue-Laminated Construction & Wood Decking: R.E.W. Supply Ltd. Paper Composite Panels: Richlite Co. Masonry: S Moyle Masonry Inc. Membrane Roofing, Metal Roofing, Patio Pavers: T&K Roofing Co. Weather Barrier: Total Seal LLC; Corridor Coatings Structural Steel Supply: TSF Structures Inc. Casework & Countertops: Woodcrafters Inc. Plumbing & HVAC Systems: Day Mechanical Systems Inc. Doors, Frames, & Hardware: Doors Inc. Fire Extinguishers: Epco Ltd Inc. PHOTO: PAUL GATES PHOTOGRAPHY
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.