The terminal expansion at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) enables the airport to meet existing and near-term air service demands. In this project, we modernized key portions of the terminal, improving the passenger experience, enhancing revenue generation, and taking advantage of available federal funding. The goals for this project included providing a facility that meets air service needs, setting up the building for efficient and effective future expansion, and creating an experience that makes the community proud of their airport, for both its design aesthetic and its passenger experience.
The FWA project includes newly renovated airline ticket offices, an expanded ticketing lobby, expansion and interior renovation of the upper-level concourse, upgrades to the exterior façade, a new curbfront canopy, and a fully in-line Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS). Our team also partnered with airport staff and local accessibility advocates to integrate accessible elements into the project, including tactile flooring/cane trail, high-contrast finishes and signage, fully accessible restroom facilities, adult changing tables, a sensory room, and installation of a hearing loop at the concourse and gates.
The existing ticket lobby was renovated to bring daylight deep into the space. New transfer beams allowed for the removal of view-obstructing columns in the lobby, maximizing sight. The front entry drive canopy was redesigned to provide coverage across three lanes, providing additional passenger protection during drop-off and pickup. The aging central utility plant was redesigned and replaced with a new system including an ice chiller, terminal generator, and new electrical service lines. In addition, the overall project acts as an enabling project to provide capacity allowing for the removal of regional ground gates and the proposed expansion of the already constricted security checkpoint.
