Press Release:
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Will Rogers World Airport Welcomes First Visitors to Explore Terminal Expansion
Renovation brings observation gallery, streamlined security checkpoints and more
OKLAHOMA CITY, September 10, 2021 – Will Rogers World Airport hosted a sneak peak of the completed terminal expansion projects in the east concourse today, Friday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. The expansion, designed by FSB Architects + Engineers, an Oklahoma City-based, nationally recognized AE firm, adds 133,022 square feet to the existing 410,000 square-foot airport terminal. Timberlake Construction, also an Oklahoma-City based, company served as the General Contractor for this next generation terminal expansion.
"This terminal expansion is a tremendous step to elevating our city and meeting the growing demand for additional capacity at the airport, as it creates a new east concourse and adds four new gates," said Acting Airports Director for the City of Oklahoma City, Scott Keith. "This project will improve efficiency with a new security checkpoint, public circulation, large double volume space in the post security area, and a new wider concourse, with a focus on the customer experience. Moving forward, our visitors will encounter a beautiful viewing gallery in the heart of the terminal, featuring artwork in both the flooring and glass, with views not only over the airfield, but within the terminal as well.” Retiring Airports Director Mark Kranenburg stated, “It’s been exciting to watch this project evolve. We started conceptualizing this project in 2013 and I’m proud to have been involved with it. We appreciate FSB's thoughtful, modern design, which has anticipated the continued growth of our city and will serve residents and visitors well for years to come."
This $87 million project boosts Will Rogers World Airport as a top tier travel facility, attracting worldwide visitors and positioning Oklahoma City as a world-class travel destination. The expansion features four additional gates, new security checkpoint lanes and a non-ticketed area where friends and family of travelers can watch aviation activity. The variety of seating options, high-tech improvements, expanded shopping and dining amenities, and the commissioned artwork by Matt Goad viewable from the public mezzanine all provide visitors with a brand-new, elevated travel experience.
"The airport expansion represents a seminal milestone in Oklahoma City's continued growth," said FSB Principal John Semtner. "We have appreciated the experience working with City leaders, HOK, and Timberlake Construction to bring this vision to life. Today represents years of planning, research, and collaboration for the purpose of improving the overall Oklahoma City travel experience. It is an answer to the continually rising profile of this region and we are proud that it will represent the first impression visitors have of our city.”
“Timberlake Construction is proud to be part of one of Oklahoma City’s most important and iconic expansion projects. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with our great team of local subcontractors who helped make this project a success,” said Bryan Timberlake, President and CEO of Timberlake Construction. “Without the teamwork of FSB, Matt Goad, Will Rogers World Airport staff, the OKC Airport Trust and many others, this project would not be possible. We look forward to many future projects with this great team!”
Timberlake and FSB's terminal expansion team also includes HOK as design architect, Jacobsen-Daniels Associates as airport programmer and planner, Duit Construction as the apron contractor and MacArthur Associated Consultants as civil engineer.
This terminal expansion also unveils a new assortment of retail shops and restaurants. Leading airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère devised a concessions program featuring local favorites such as Plenty Mercantile, Tin Lizzie’s, Elemental Coffee, Hatch and Osteria; leading national brands including Starbucks, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Tripadvisor; and recognizable airport concepts like the award-winning Vino Volo.
“Will Rogers World Airport has been an outstanding partner and we’re absolutely thrilled to expand our offerings by introducing this world-class concessions program,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “With a balanced combination of iconic brands from the local and regional areas, complemented by leading national brands, we are delivering a unique lineup that will fully engage and excite travelers. We thank the airport, the OKC Airport Trust and the City for this opportunity and look forward to growing this program together.”
About Will Rogers World Airport
Will Rogers World Airport is the city's commercial airport and accommodates over three and a half million travelers each year. The airport now serves 22 nonstop airports with an average of 75 daily departures. Will Rogers World Airport is owned by the City of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Airport Trust oversees the management and operation of the airport.
