Long Beach City Council Awards Swinerton Builders Design-Build Contract

The Long Beach City Council unanimously voted to award the design-build contract for Long Beach Airport’s (LGB) Phase II Terminal Area Improvements (Phase II) Project to Swinerton Builders (Swinerton). The approval sets in motion a path toward design and construction of certain terminal features in need of modernization.

“This project will ensure that Long Beach Airport remains one of the top ranked airports in the United States, well-known for its ease of use and world-class amenities for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I am sure these improvements will make our airport even better and improve its ranking in the years ahead.”

The awarded project team is comprised of Swinerton Builders, Corgan Associates Inc., Studio One Eleven, and VCA Engineers Inc. Swinerton’s proposal had the highest technical score and the lowest cost proposal of the four teams deemed responsive and responsible in the procurement process. The contract, valued at $58.8 million, is divided into phases which include design, preconstruction, and construction of the project components. The design and construction are anticipated to begin in 2018 and continue through 2021. The contract duration is three years.

“Long Beach Airport strives to provide a first-class experience for all,” said Airport Director Jess L. Romo. “We were impressed by Swinerton’s cohesive ideas for the improvements and past relevant experience on maintaining a professional and safe environment for the traveling public on similar scale projects.”

LGB has estimated $32 million in Airport funds will be utilized in the first year of the project. The amount will allow the design-builder to start work on design for the entire project, including construction of the first three project elements, which are:

• The ticketing lobby
• Consolidated baggage claim
• The checked baggage inspection system facility

These elements are the highest priority because they will have the greatest positive impact on the passenger experience. The improvements are currently anticipated to be complete by the end of 2019. Subsequent construction expected to be completed in 2020 include:

• The historic terminal rehabilitation
• Relocation of the rental car customer transaction services area to the first floor of the historic terminal building
• Enhanced development of the meet and greet plaza

The final construction elements, expected to be completed in 2021, include:

• The terminal loop roadway and signage improvements
• Consolidated rental car storage and ready-return surface lot
• Development of a new ground transportation area

Upon completion, the improvements will substantially improve the functional flow from curb to gate, enhance travelling passenger convenience, and reduce vehicle congestion in the terminal loop.

Swinerton’s proposal commits to design and construction of improvements that meet LGB’s vision, budget, and schedule, as well as deliver design aesthetics that respect and coordinate with Phase I improvements. Phase I improvements included the existing terminal concourse, TSA passenger security screening facility, and Parking Structure B.  A team of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professionals will ensure the City’s sustainability goals are achieved. The project team has committed to the utilization of local diverse partners, with Swinerton’s baseline goal of a minimum 20% for small and local business participation.