13 AirportImprovement.com November | December 2026 TERMINALS BUR Johnson says the terminal’s greatest architectural feature, “The Silver Screen,” also posed some of the greatest challenges on the sloped site. Because the facade encompasses both the terminal and parking garage with two independent frames, it added structural challenges, particularly regarding seismic issues. Construction on a 14-acre greenfield site kept operational impacts to a minimum. While some work-arounds were needed during taxiway tie ins, construction crews largely had the worksite to themselves. The former 1930 terminal served its last passengers on Monday, Oct. 12, and the move to the new terminal across campus occurred overnight. “This was only way we could do it,” Johnson says, adding that the fast transition was front and center from the beginning of the project. The ORAT team, led by Jacobs, prepared aggressively, working with airlines, tenants, vendors and airport staff to create a smooth switchover. Eco Elements Because of environmental issues from a former aerospace and aircraft development operation, grading operations were limited to the top 25 feet of the site. Excavated material and pavement grindings were reused, reducing construction costs and the amount of potentially contaminated material hauled offsite. With the intention of achieving at least LEED Silver status and a stretch goal of Gold, the project includes 300+ charging stations for electric vehicles in the new parking structure, electric ground support equipment, energy-efficient lighting and water fixtures, daylighting, photovoltaic panels and connections to the regional transit network. With holdrooms lining the entire west wall, the design team conducted significant analysis to harness natural daylight while controlling the associated heat. Solar shading canopies and overhangs together with high-performance windows by Architectural Glass & Aluminum optimize natural light and thermal comfort, while a high-efficiency LED lighting system, daylighting controls and demand-controlled ventilation minimize energy consumption. Installation of a photovoltaic panel array provides BUR with clean, renewable solar energy. The new terminal was designed to be fully electric, including heating/cooling and cooking appliances in kitchens for food and beverage vendors. This meant working closely with concessionaires to adapt their equipment for the all-electric requirement. Follow us @JacobsConnects | jacobs.com Jacobs congratulates the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and the entire project team on the successful opening of the new Replacement Passenger Terminal. It has been a privilege to contribute to this transformative investment in the region’s future. We celebrate this achievement and the collaboration, dedication and vision that made it possible.
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