Mead & Hunt and the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) were honored with Best of State for the airport’s South Terminal Expansion at the American Council of Engineering Companies Wisconsin (ACEC WI) Engineering Excellence Awards Ceremony.
The South Terminal Expansion provides a vital airside gateway connecting south central Wisconsin’s communities, businesses, schools, and government agencies to the world. The expansion replaced the existing three-gate south concourse with a six-gate concourse to accommodate increased use, larger aircraft, and a passenger boarding bridge service to improve the passenger experience at all gates. Mead & Hunt’s user-centered design reimagined the passenger experience to maximize flexibility and improve convenience by providing inclusive and accessible accommodations to support varying traveler needs.
The addition amplifies MSN’s existing architectural identity, using materials that honor the region’s unique character, adding to its distinction for an airport of this size. Innovative, locally relevant artistic features were incorporated into the floors and walls, providing meaningful context to visitors. Notably, custom terrazzo flooring and materials were used to create detailed depictions of the local chain of lakes, along with a large compass rose featuring the Dane County seal. These artistic touches tell the story of the community this gateway serves.
This award celebrates MSN’s and Mead & Hunt’s long-standing partnership and commitment to providing spaces where functionality invites comfort and efficiency for every passenger walking through the gates.