City officials have broken ground on the expansion project that will grow Terminal 5 complex by 350,000 square feet. The wedge-like extension will maintain the integrity of the terminal's original architecture. This angular design comes from Chicago architecture firm Muller and Muller per Chicago Curbed.
The project will include the following:
- Ten new gates
- Passenger amenities
- New airline lounges
- Retail concessions
- 6 new security Lanes
- Upgraded baggage handling system
A revamped 25 year old Terminal 5 is part of the larger $8.5 billion 'O'Hare 21" modernization effort which started in 2017 with a five-gate addition to Terminal 3. The centerpiece of this aspiring plan will be the upcoming O'Hare Global Terminal which is going to replace Terminal 2 in 2028. Five teams of architects are vying to design the massive building right now and it's not clear when the city will announce the winning proposal. It is anticipated that the choice will be made before Mayor Emanuel leaves office in May.
"Chicago and its airline partners are propelling the nation's best connected travel hub to the next level, starting with a more than $1 billion infusion that will bring new gates and expanded amenities to Terminal 5. With the improvements we are making today, O'Hare will continue to set new records and fuel more connectivity, tourism, and economic impact for the city well into the future."
Mayor of Chicago | Rahm Emanuel
This project is expected to be completed in 2021 and later phases call for a new parking garage, pedestrian bridge, and curbside improvements. A new terminal-adjacent hotel is also under consideration according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
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O'Hare International Airport reclaimed its top spot this past year as the nation's busiest airport. It operates more than 900,000 flights.
According to the Chicago Tribune, upon completion of the new gates, Delta Air Lines will relocate to Terminal 5 from its existing location in Terminal 2. Eventually, all United and American Airlines in Terminal 5, including many other international carriers, will relocate to the new O'Hare Global Terminal to be completed in 2028. The new Global Terminal will include three new concourses, 25 percent more gates and a 60 percent larger airport terminal area.
Per Chicago.gov, this expansion will increase gates and terminal area, better integrate domestic and international operations at the terminal and increase Chicago's leading global connectivity while creating tens of thousands of jobs for the community.
By 2022, the 25 year old baggage handling system will be upgraded with a new state-of-the-art system that will include baggage ID. Construction will follow a phased approach to lessen the impact on travelers, airlines and businesses currently operating in the terminal.
To ensure timely, cost-efficient delivery of the new Terminal 5, the City will partner with its Program Manager and the Construction Manager which will also be charged with maximizing opportunities for local residents and businesses through new bid incentives designed to provide greater opportunities for more firms to participate.
DataBid is currently reporting on multiple phases of the Terminal 5 Expansion and Global Terminal Project
See DataBid Blog titled: Design Teams Narrowed Down for O'Hare International Airport Expansion
