Travelers who put on their blue suede shoes and board a plane will touch down in the land of Delta Blues’ newly renovated Concourse B in the Memphis International Airport (MEM), where our team recently completed a five-year, $245 million modernization project.
In 2018, the Memphis International Airport contracted our team to renovate and expand Concourse B to accommodate their growing number of travelers and enhance the airport customer experience. With much of the original structure dating back to 1961, the project required complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing building and tarmac and included the relocation of the existing underground utilities. The scope of this effort included the structure rebuild, interior finishes, IT systems, HVAC system, electric and plumbing, and enhanced the structure’s safety through the installation of seismic bracing, which will prevent damage caused by earthquakes.
In addition, we also delivered 25 new passenger boarding bridges and an interior office space build-out for airline support operations, as well as tenant office and storage spaces on the tarmac level. The work included office areas, meeting rooms, storage areas, break rooms with counter/cabinet space, restrooms, etc.
The Memphis International Airport didn’t just entrust us with constructing their largest modernization project to date; they also utilized our industry-leading construction and program management services. We optimized every phase of the project through design management, project management, surveying, CAD services, inspections, utility locations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport facilities, change and cost management, maintenance and operator training, schedule management, and project closeouts. Although originally scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2021, we were able to keep the project moving toward completion through the unforeseen COVID-related issues such as supply chain and staffing.
The Memphis International Airport held its grand opening on February 15, 2022, and centralized all Concourses A and C operations into Concourse B. The 23 newly renovated gates accommodate 6 million passengers, 50% more than the pre-project. Now the primary concourse, Concourse B enhances the customer experience with its new smart tinting windows, wider and taller corridors, modern seating with charging stations, upscale restrooms, moving sidewalks, a stage for live music, a children’s play area, and new restaurants and shops.