Detroit Metro Airport's North Terminal Named 'Build Michigan' Winner

DETROIT, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Associated General Contractors of Michigan has bestowed its highest honor, a Build Michigan Award, on the North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.  Members of the project team -- the Wayne County Airport Authority, construction managers Walbridge and Barton Malow, and architects Gensler and Ghafari -- were recognized at the conferral ceremony, January 29, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit.

"It's great to see the North Terminal receive the recognition it deserves," said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. "It's an important element in anchoring the Detroit Region Aerotropolis to create the jobs and prosperity of the future." 

One of the first airport complexes fully designed and constructed post-9/11, the 26-gate, 850,000 square foot North Terminal can accommodate 14 million passengers annually.  The linear footprint creates a faster, more efficient path for taxiing aircraft, which conserves fuel, reduces environmental emissions, and saves time for travelers.  Natural daylight, bright color, and dramatic lighting enhance the passenger experience and impression of the facility. Built within a budget of $431 million, the North Terminal establishes a new benchmark for value-conscious airport planners. 

The work included a multi-airline terminal, Federal Inspection Services (FIS) for international flights, baggage handling, hydrant fueling system, and apron replacement.  Additionally, the team created an enclosed skywalk between the terminal and a parking garage, and a ground transportation center for commercial traffic, to leave the curbside for passenger vehicles.

"We extend our thanks to the local contracting community, which understood the significance of this work, and was committed to excellence throughout," said Barton Malow Project Executive Doug Maibach.

"Walbridge was pleased to contribute our innovations to this project," added Walbridge Chairman and CEO John Rakolta, Jr.  "The North Terminal team not only achieved ambitious goals in costs, logistics, and deadlines, it has enhanced the role of Detroit Metro Airport as a world-class gateway to the Metro Detroit Region."

Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Lester Robinson summed up the meaning of the Build Michigan honor and the importance of the new facility.  "The North Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport is a shining example of how to achieve more with less," he said. "Working with a very modest budget and a tight set of design limitations, the project team created a facility that satisfied the bookkeepers, provides an ultra-efficient operating environment for airlines, incorporates a number of eco-friendly features, and -- most importantly -- delights Detroit travelers and visitors to our region.  You can't ask for much more than that!"

About Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Wayne County Airport Authority

Welcoming more than 30 million passengers this yea r-- more than three times the population of the State of Michigan -- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is the state's largest airport and one of the world's busiest air transportation hubs with more than 1,200 daily flights to more than 160 destinations around the globe.  DTW is also the second-largest hub and primary gateway for Delta -- the world's largest airline.  Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) was established in 2002 by an act of the Michigan State Legislature as an independent agency responsible for operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport. 

About Walbridge

Founded in 1916, Walbridge has steadily grown to become one of the top 50 construction firms worldwide.  Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Walbridge provides diverse delivery options including construction management, program management, general contracting, design-build and turn-key solutions for new construction as well as renovations and expansions.   Services include pre-construction, engineering management and decommissioning.  The company also self-performs structural concrete and flatwork, millwright and rigging, equipment installation and facilities management.  Walbridge provides construction services for airports, education, healthcare, federal government, infrastructure, manufacturing, automotive, research & development, and power & energy.  For more information, visit the Walbridge website at www.walbridge.com.

About Barton Malow

Barton Malow Company provides construction management, design-build, program management, general contracting, technology and rigging services throughout North America.  The ISO (quality) certified company has LEED™ Accredited Professionals on staff and is an industry Building Information Modeling (BIM) leader.  Niche market specialties include aviation, sports and special event, healthcare, educational, federal, industrial, and energy facilities.  Barton Malow has a staff of 1,300 in 13 offices and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.  Annual firm revenues exceed $1.3 billion.  For additional information, visit www.bartonmalow.com.

SOURCE Walbridge