Gradual Overhaul

from Prairie Business December 2015

Instant Results

The Sioux Falls (S.D.) Regional Airport renovation nears completion, ending a string of redesigns in the past few years

BY KAYLA PRASEK

What started as a project to enlarge the Sioux Falls Regional Airport’s security checkpoint will end with renovations throughout most of the airport to modernize it and improve flow. The current project will also bring an end to several years of airport renovations.

Since 2009, the ticketing counters, luggage screening, concourse, restaurant areas, restrooms, children’s play area and business lounge were all either renovated or added completely. The one area that had yet to be renovated was the security checkpoint, which had become too small, says Dan Letellier, executive director of the airport. “Our previous projects provided for our growth needs, but the one exception was the screening area,” he says. “With the equipment used now, the security area had become a tight and claustrophobic area, so we decided to move forward with expanding the area.” The $12 million project, led by construction manager Sioux Falls Construction, started in November 2014 and is expected to be completed by September.

The security area still will feature two checkpoints, but will have room to expand to up to six in the future. “There will be a lot more space than there currently is,” says Michelle Klobassa, associate and architect at Sioux Falls-based TSP Inc. and lead architect for the airport project.

In order to expand the security area, the airport’s administrative offices needed to be moved. The administrative offices were the heart of the building, with all of the infrastructure beneath them, so the heating, cooling and electrical infrastructure also needed to be moved. “It worked out because all the infrastructure really needed to be updated since it’s 45 years old, so it was time,” Letellier says.

Airport administration also is using the renovation as a chance to replace the moving ramps between the first and second floors with traditional escalators, while moving the elevator to a more prominent location. “It became an all encompassing project,” Klobassa says. “We wanted to get consistency into the design of the building so it’s cohesive and feels like a better place for travelers.”

That also includes updating the finishes in the ticketing, lobby and baggage claim areas so the airport has a consistent look. New video display kiosks highlighting local businesses and events replace large display boxes throughout the airport, resulting in a wider corridor to ease the flow of passengers. “Our primary goal was to create a sense of warmth and welcoming when travelers come in,” Klobassa says. “The materials, colors and warm wood tones we chose help with that. It’ll look cool and trendy but will also be long-lasting and durable. We’ve also put more windows throughout to feel lighter and airier. We’re trying to create a calmer atmosphere.”

The renovation also is focused on making it easier for travelers to know where to go, Klobassa says. “We’re really focusing on wayfinding so they can easily see where to go next. By removing the administrative offices, it’ll open up the lobby to the second floor and make it more traveler-friendly.”

Airport staff moved into their new offices in July. Letellier says he’s expecting the new security checkpoint area to open in January. From there, mainly demolition work will remain, Letellier says.

Once the project is finished, the airport will essentially have been completely remodeled during the past seven years. “The original building was constructed in 1970,” he says. “There have been a few smaller projects throughout the years, but nothing to this extent.” Letellier says the next possible project would be a baggage claim expansion, but it’s still “several years down the road.”