The Kansas City Aviation Department has begun construction of a $1.5B single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate will construct the new terminal under a public-private partnership agreement it has entered into with the city of Kansas City. The budget for the project is set at $1.5 billion, and it will be funded using 100 percent tax-exempt debt. When complete, the new facility will replace the airport’s aging terminals, which opened in 1972.
The push for a new terminal at MCI has spanned a decade or more, but was initially stymied by lack of voter approval, which was required. Eventually, the city won over voters and opted for a P3 approach to replace the current three-terminal facility with a single, massive terminal that is expected to streamline operations and ease the passenger journey.
“On behalf of the entire airline community, we are excited to be part of this journey and celebrate such an incredible milestone for the city,” said Kyle O’Neal, senior regional leader, airport affairs at Southwest Airlines. “The new terminal will support more efficient airline operations and allow airport users to enjoy the convenience of modern air travel in a facility with updated technology and amenities, close parking, spacious gate areas, and ample food and beverage options.”
At just over one million square feet, the new terminal is the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history. The facility will open in 2023 with 39 gates and the ability to expand to up to 50 gates in the future. The project will also include a 6,300-space parking structure, which will be constructed adjacent to the terminal building, a central utility plant, and landside and airside improvements.
The new terminal will be built in the footprint of the airport’s existing Terminal A, which has been decommissioned and will be demolished.
“We’re excited to move forward on this landmark project for Kansas City and eager to put men and women to work,” said Geoff Stricker, managing director or Edgemoor. “This has been a great partnership with the city and airline partners, and we look forward to building on that to deliver an exceptional new terminal for travelers and the airlines alike.”
Edgemoor has partnered with design-builder Clark | Weitz | Clarkson (CWC) to construct the new terminal. The construction joint venture, which is comprised of Clark Construction Group, LLC, The Weitz Company, and Clarkson Construction Company, has collectively delivered more than 40 aviation projects nationwide; Skidmore Owings & Merrill is the project designer.
Edgemoor has pledged to maximize opportunities for local minority and women-owned firms, setting ambitious participation goals for 20 percent minority-owned and 15 percent women-owned businesses for professional and construction services, respectively.
