The modern architecture of the $102 million GSP terminal expansion will be married with the industrial modern style used in the airport’s original 1962 design.
“To have the commissioners’ unanimous support and move forward, sets the stage for the next 30-40 years,” Dave Edwards, GSP president and chief executive officer, said. The largest project constructed at GSP since it’s opening in 1962, was the expansion of the terminal in 1989.
The commissioners held a public workshop last week and it detailed how GSP would fund about 75 percent of the project with the remaining monies coming from Airport Improvement Projects and government grants and entitlements.
“This is an exciting time,” Edwards said, smiling, after the meeting adjourned. “The approval of the documentation means we can now get on with the project. By March we should commence construction on restrooms, the North Wing shell concourse and concessions.”
The design, according to Steve Harrill of RS&H in a briefing today, will take advantage of the scenic entry drive with water, fountains and gardens, large trees and mature landscaping. The modern architecture will be married with the industrial modern style used in the airport’s original 1962 design.
“We will see the expansion match the magnitude and grace of the grounds and the terminal will address functionality for the customers,” Rosylin Weston, vice president communications, said.
The terminal will feature more concessions and choices beyond the screening areas, increase natural daylight to take advantage of the glass exterior replacing the concrete façade and add new technology to reduce energy and resource consumption and make operations more efficient.
Leland Burch, a commission member from Greer, commended Edwards’ staff for “the fantastic design and not having to tear down the (existing terminal) to expand and modernize the terminal. It’s not going to cost the airlines any more to operate. There are no taxes involved,” Burch said.
The expanded terminal will incorporate stone, wood and tile.
One amenity that won’t be added is glass loading bridges for passengers. The commissioners, in September, granted Edwards’ request to pursue a bid not more than 20 percent of ThyssenKrupp’s $3.038 million bid, plus a 10 percent contingency fee of $303,882. “It would have been nice and it would have created an aesthetic but it didn’t provide an overall advantage having them,” Edwards said.
The entire project, according to Edwards, will take 30 months to complete. Construction on the terminal expansion is scheduled to begin in October/November 2012 and end in the spring of 2015. The north wing shell will be prepared for future expansion.
“This will allow us to keep up with the projected growth for the next two generations,” Hank Ramella, vice chairman of the commission, said. “The energy and vitality in this area is awesome.”