Ford Airport’s Terminal Reconstruction and Expansion Project Receives ACEC Engineering Excellence Merit Award

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s terminal apron reconstruction and expansion project has received the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 2021 Engineering Merit Award.

The project — done in collaboration with Livonia-based engineering, architecture and construction firm C&S Companies — was selected for this high honor among 32 entries. The recognition is part of the American Council of Engineering Companies, or ACEC, Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards competition.

The ACEC annually recognizes outstanding engineering and surveying firms for Michigan projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity and value. Criteria for the 2021 awards specifically focused on uniqueness and originality, social and economic value, technical innovation and generating excitement for the engineering profession.

The Ford Airport received the award on Feb. 26 during the ACEC’s virtual 54th Engineering Excellence Awards Gala.

“We appreciate the recognition for our team’s continued work to enhance the guest experience and airport capacity,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Engineering and Planning Director Casey Ries. “This award underscores our commitment to investing in our facilities, which provide a gateway from West Michigan to the world.”

C&S Companies led design and construction oversight of the $50 million program, which began in 2018 and included the replacement or expansion of 215,000 square yards of the terminal area where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, de-iced and refueled. The project, completed in September with minimal impact to the guest experience, allows for more adequate apron space for air carriers. Most significantly, it paved the way for Project Elevate.

A three-development expansion, Project Elevate includes a $90 million extension of Concourse A to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 20 years as well as the construction of a Federal Inspection Station and air traffic control tower relocation.