United Airlines Terminal 1 Renovations

Enhancing People Movement and Security for One of the busiest airport's in the world

Few airports in the world are busier than Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Housing nine concourses and 191 gates, O’Hare serves more than 80 million travelers a year. At United Airline’s largest U.S. commercial hub, improving access to ticketing, security and baggage claim were key priorities for both the airline and O’Hare International Airport.

We provided structural design, renewal and protective design services to Solomon Cordwell Buenz for the $26.5-million curbside renovation and south building addition for United’s Terminal 1 at O’Hare, which completed in 2007.

Highlights

• The curbside renovation extended the building’s façade 20 feet out toward the roadway. The 750-foot-long area also gained glass-enclosed vestibules and curbside check-in locations with small canopies.
• Our team also provided blast mitigation services for the façade along its entire eastern exposure.
• The south building expansion added 10,000 square feet to accommodate a new security checkpoint and improve circulation between Terminals 1 and 2.
• The expansion’s structural design also included provisions to allow for the addition of a mezzanine level for a United Club Lounge in the future.