DENVER (KDVR) — After years of construction, Denver International Airport is getting ready to begin its final phase of the Great Hall renovation project.
The project aims to help the 30-year-old facility handle a growing number of passengers. Denver is currently the third busiest airport in the country and is often fifth or sixth busiest in the world. By 2028, CEO Phil Washington expects the airport will serve 100 million passengers annually.
“This is like remodeling your house while you’re still living in it,” Washington said.
Washington announced Tuesday the project is expected to wrap up in December 2027, about six months earlier than the schedule he proposed when he took over as CEO three years ago.
The final phase focuses on level five. A new east security checkpoint will be built to mirror the one that opened on the west side of the main terminal last year. There will also be a few security lanes on the north and south sides of the terminal.
“It will reduce the wait times,” Washington said.
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The Denver International Airport shared these renderings of the final phase of its Great Hall program. (Courtesy the Denver International Airport) -
The Denver International Airport shared these renderings of the final phase of its Great Hall program. (Courtesy the Denver International Airport) -
The Denver International Airport shared these renderings of the final phase of its Great Hall program. (Courtesy the Denver International Airport) -
The Denver International Airport shared these renderings of the final phase of its Great Hall program. (Courtesy the Denver International Airport)
There will be eventually 46 security lanes instead of the 34 the airport has currently.
The old south security area will become a place known as “the living room” featuring a new multi-level structure where people can eat, drink and relax without having to go through security.
The centerpiece of the south side of the terminal will be a public art installation called The Stars and the Cottonwood by artist Donald Lipski. The sculpture will be 60 feet tall and its leaves will be made of 30,000 Swarovski crystals.
“This will be the place where people will say, ‘Meet me at the tree’,” Washington said.
Additionally, there will be upgrades to the floors, ceilings, lighting, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
The Denver auditor released findings in January suggesting Denver is at risk of overpaying for the renovation. Washington says increased costs are common due to unforeseen circumstances.
“When you are doing big projects like this you find surprises. Just like you remodel your house, you find a surprise and say, “Whoa, I didn’t realize that was there.’ And to stay on schedule you have to do something,” Washington said.
According to Washington, the Great Hall project will still end up costing less than the $1.3 billion budget he proposed when he became CEO.
Following the Great Hall project, Washington announced several new construction projects will commence that will help increase airport capacity while minimizing disruptions for passengers. The projects include building out new base on the west side of the C concourse, expanding the north part of the terminal to the east and west, a consolidated rental car facility and yet-to-be-determined upgrades to Pena Boulevard.
