91视频

Work on the program’s largest phase 鈥� terminal core redevelopment 鈥� under way at Portland International Airport, took two major steps forward recently. A spending plan by the airlines was approved and a design services contract with ZGF Architects was adopted by the Port of Portland Commission.

The terminal core redevelopment project has two phases, with a $950 million cost estimate for the first. The improvements are being paid for by the airlines, which gave their blessing earlier this month.

The Port of Portland Commission took the next step by approving an amended, $33,782,595 services contract for ZGF to provide schematic and detailed design development services. That has allowed designers to move past broad conceptual aspects and begin specific work to serve the project owner.

鈥淭his stage provides some level of definition and an approved program,鈥� said Mark Foster, partner at ZGF Architects. 鈥淲e are at the very early stages. As of (Dec. 18), schematic design has just started.鈥�

Work in the first phase will include expanding the main terminal core 180 feet to the west of the food court, building larger security checkpoints and demolishing Concourse A, and reconfiguring and enhancing Concourse B.

Other improvements will include new ramp construction for overnight aircraft parking, seismic improvements and upgrades of mechanical, electrical and other building systems.

鈥淭he largest part hadn’t been funded yet,鈥� said Kama Simonds, aviation media relations spokeswoman for the Port of Portland/Portland International Airport. 鈥淪o, now we are actually moving forward.鈥�

Schematic design will continue through the next two years. Construction is expected to start in December 2019.

鈥淎 lot of the work is in consideration for seismic improvements,鈥� Simonds said.

Much of the airport infrastructure dates back to the 1950s, so the Port of Portland is looking to not only make structural changes but also system updates.

鈥淲hen you start adjusting the core, it requires bringing everything up to modern standards,鈥� Simonds said. 鈥淭hat means things like HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). We have to bring it into this century.鈥�

PDX Next is the biggest renovation effort in the airport’s history and one of the largest construction projects ever in Oregon. Security and ticketing are two areas where most travelers will see the largest impacts.

鈥淩elocating the security checkpoints is one of the biggest areas that passengers will notice,鈥� Simonds said. 鈥淚t will be very beneficial for the passengers and airlines with the bigger area.鈥�