Boise Airport Terminal Opening Enhances Intermountain Travel

Boise's transportation accessibility and service took a giant step forward when the new Boise Airport terminal accepted its first passengers through security checkpoints on June 25. The new terminal opened to the general public on June 21. A dedication ceremony capped the construction project of nearly two years. Layton Construction Company of Sandy, Utah is the general contractor.

The terminal construction is part of a two-phase construction project that will span more than three years. Phase two construction will add other air travel amenities including rental car counters and food court/concession areas and link the new terminal to the airport to the airport concourse. The second phase of construction will be completed in 2004.

Construction of the $47 million, 400,000-sq.-ft., two-level terminal began just two months before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Security related change orders imposed by federal aviation and homeland security agencies changed the scope of the new construction. Roof structures were raised to accommodate new luggage screening equipment. The new terminal structural steel was strengthened and glass modified to enhance safety for travelers in response to safety concerns regarding the proximity of the existing parking structure.

Boise City's architectural statement for the terminal captures the feel of Boise and its surrounding environs. The design reminiscent of Idaho's outdoor beauty, with architectural design elements symbolizing the flowing Boise River, river rock, sandstone and mountains. The swooping roof line will become the identifying characteristic of the building from the city and nearby freeway.

Baggage handling, baggage claim, ticket lobby, central rotunda, airline operations offices, airport administration and support areas, and mechanical and electrical service areas will be housed and operated within the new terminal.

Boise expects to serve three million passengers annually, and the airport master plan allows for future expansion of the new terminal building, to accommodate expected increases in passenger traffic.

Layton Construction acknowledged the great work of Boise area subcontractors and suppliers. "The way the subcontractors here have worked as a team has been great," said Tom Coughlin, Layton's senior project manager. Boise architectural firm CSHQA designed the new terminal.

McAlvain Continues Building in Boise

McAlvain Construction, Boise, was recently awarded a contract to build a Lithia Ford body shop in Boise. Additionally, McAlvain and Turner Construction, Seattle, are building the Idaho Water Center.

Dave Evans Adds to Its Project List

Dave Evans Construction, Boise, has added several projects to its list of work over the past few months. The company will build the Eagle Therapy medical office building in Eagle, Idaho; the Kaufman office building in Boise, serving as owner, builder and developer; a mortgage office building in Garden City, Idaho, again serving in all three capacities; and a $500,000 office building for Robert Day in Boise.