It has been one year since a tornado heavily damaged Lambert-St. Louis International (STL), and the airport is thanking the organizations and business that helped it recover since the April 22, 2011, storm.
The biggest milestone in the airport’s recovery was the reopening of Concourse C three weeks ago.
“Initial estimates for the C Concourse repairs were well over a year,” says Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge. “We streamlined every possible process and with support from our airport partners and dozens of contractors, we got it done sooner. We appreciate the support of our passengers and customers who have shown their patience as we dealt with the major challenges of rebuilding the concourse and repairing the damage across the airport complex.”
More than 70 companies, many of the local, made major contributions to the airport’s recovery. Hamm-Niebruegge and other community leaders recognized the role of those who helped the airport during an anniversary event Friday.
Total costs of tornado-damage repair are estimated to be $20M to $25M, which is being covered by insurance. Some of the biggest projects including replacing 300 windows in the airport’s Terminal 1, and 250 windows and the roof in Concourse C. Some of the smaller repairs are still pending and are slated to be finished later this year.
“Now, one year later, the airport – and especially its C Concourse – is better than ever,” says St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay. “I am grateful to the many members of the Airport’s staff and construction crews for their quick and quality work. This airport is not only a welcoming front door for our city’s visitors, but is also a testament to the resilient spirit of our workers and residents.”
STL estimates it lost an estimated $2M in airline landing fees, parking fees, concession revenue and terminal rental rates since the tornado. Those business interruption costs also will be covered by insurance as part of the total cost of the tornado damage.
