City of Mesa Falcon Field Honored as One of ENR’s Best Projects in the Southwest
The city of Mesa Falcon Field Airport Terminal Upgrades project has been selected as the Best Project in the Renovation/Restoration category for the 2016 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Regional Best Projects awards competition for the Southwest region.
The annual awards program is dedicated to honoring the best construction projects and companies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico with the Southwest region consisting of Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. Among the 20 categories, ranging from airports to sports and entertainment venues, each project is judged using five criteria: safety; overcoming challenges and teamwork; innovation and contribution to the industry; construction quality and craftsmanship; and functionality of design and aesthetic quality.
Falcon Field opened in September 1941 as a military airport to train British Royal Air Force and U.S. Army Air Corps pilots. Today it is among the top 10 most active general aviation airports in the United States, serving corporate, military, public safety, recreational and instructional aviation uses.
“The design took to heart the overarching goal for this project: to send a strong message that this airport is at the center of Mesa’s aerospace and high-tech industry. The new terminal is contemporary both inside and out, but elements of the design evoke memories of the airport’s past as a World War II pilot training base,” said Sandra Kukla of DWL Architects + Planners, principal in charge for the project.
The renovation resulted in a $1.8 million comprehensive remodel and expanded the terminal from 3,560 square feet to 4,734 square feet. The new terminal includes enhanced public waiting and pilot briefing space, a meeting room, upgraded restrooms, new airside and landside patios and public aircraft viewing areas as well as other interior improvements and an upgraded arrival experience.
“Falcon Field is a regional hub for aviation business and recreational activity, and these improvements not only reflect the continuous improvements that we make to the airport’s infrastructure, but also will help us remain competitive in our efforts to attract businesses and continue to be financially self-sustaining,” said Corinne Nystrom, Airport Director.
The City of Mesa Falcon Field Airport Terminal Upgrades project will automatically compete in the Best of the Best Projects 2016, a national juried competition and will be a featured project at the ENR Southwest Best Projects Awards Event on November 10, 2016 at the Renaissance Phoenix Hotel in downtown Phoenix.
