Opened at the dawn of the space age, the 66-year-old terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, will soon give way to a new facility that embodies the aspirations of air travel in the 21st century.
Designed by a team led by Gensler with local partner Moody Nolan, the new 1 million square meter terminal is the result of more than two decades of planning and research. With a gently curved exterior profile inspired by Midwestern skylines and waterways, the two-level, 36-gate terminal will handle 13 million passengers annually, nearly double the airport’s current volume. Features include a consolidated security checkpoint, a central market with views of the airfield and Columbus, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to the airport’s rental car center and a new 5,000-vehicle parking garage equipped with electric vehicle charging technology.
The estimated $2 billion construction program includes surface roads, platform and taxiways, and underground infrastructure. According to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, funding will come from a combination of federal and bond sources backed by future revenue from airlines and tenant companies, passenger user fees, parking and concessions.
Other sustainability elements include smart glass and other efficient design materials for natural lighting, energy-efficient building systems, hydration stations for reusable water bottles, and extensive reuse of reclaimed water.
At-risk construction manager Hensel Phelps and Columbus-based general contractor Elford will begin the four-year construction phase next year.
