Today, the first flights will depart from the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, marking the end of a five-year development, design, and construction effort and ushering in a new era of air travel in the region.
New terminal facilities
The new facility, which wholly replaces Kansas City’s existing terminal buildings, features two levels, one for departures and one for arrivals, with clear wayfinding and sightlines, as well as an adjacent 6,200-space parking structure to provide a seamless transition from parking to gate.
Designed with adaptability and expansion in mind, the terminal opens with 40 gates with the capability to expand to 50 gates in the future.
Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all travelers, the new terminal’s inclusive features include the Kansas City Air Travel Experience – an airplane simulation room for anxious, first-time travelers or individuals with a fear of flying.
There is a sensory room, quiet room, indoor and outdoor pet relief areas, the Variety KC Inclusive Family Play Zone, and glass boarding bridges to increase natural light, views of the airfield, and reduce flight anxiety.
The new facility also boasts three times as many toilet fixtures post-security as the current terminals, with options including gender-neutral restrooms and family restrooms with adult changing tables.
Designed to showcase Kansas City’s authentic culture and heart, the terminal features nearly 50 local and global eating and shopping experiences with 80% of the brands represented from the Kansas City region.
The facility also features $5.6 million of newly commissioned art, showcased through 28 unique installations, 19 of which were created by artists who live in, or have ties to, the Kansas City area. The project is the largest One Percent for Art program in Kansas City history.
At $1.5B, the new terminal is the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City history
“I am grateful for the partnership with Edgemoor/CWC, and for their commitment to finishing the job ahead of schedule and on budget,” said Pat Klein, director of the Kansas City Aviation Department.
“Despite the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic and supply chain shortages, they delivered on their promises, both to the city and to our greater community. This is a truly transformational project, as was promised from the start.”
Innovations in Diversity
Through Edgemoor/CWC’s intentional procurement strategy, 133 minority- and women-owned Kansas City-based firms were awarded contracts on the project totaling more than $320 million.
The team exceeded its project participation goals on every front, ultimately achieving 25.4% MBE and 18.7% WBE participation for construction services, and 20.5% MBE and 16.4% WBE participation for professional services.
In 2020, Profiles in Diversity Journal ranked the new terminal project among its Top 10 Innovations in Diversity award winners for keeping diversity, inclusion, and human equity at the forefront.
In addition to meeting the city’s goals for accessibility, inclusivity, and diverse participation, the new terminal is also among the most sustainable airport facilities in the nation. T
Sustainability
The project recently achieved LEED® Gold certification, making it the first LEED v4 Gold BD+C: NC terminal/concourse project in the Midwest, and the second in the nation.
Sustainable features include locally sourced materials, electric charging stations for personal and commercial vehicles, smart building systems, efficient lighting, and improved air quality.
“Throughout this project, we’ve focused on investing in the economic growth of women- and minority-owned businesses, while providing a state-of-the-art new terminal that will redefine standards for air travel,” said Geoff Stricker, Edgemoor senior managing director.
“Kansas City is experiencing an exciting period of growth. We are honored to have delivered this transformative project to meet the evolving needs of the region.”
