The planning details for potential updates to Indianapolis International Airport have been presented to its board members.
Civic Plaza, a circular commons area between ticketing and security, could be divided into smaller zones including seating areas, a market-style area for vendors and an area covered with artificial grass to be used for events and other entertainment.
Of the airport’s 53 vendors, 36 have contract that expire next year. With this in mind, the airport is hoping to revamp its concessions program with the intentions of recruiting more local businesses.
Moving more retailers to the gate areas is also high on the priority list, with only 60% of shops and restaurants currently in post-security gate zones.
To move more retail offerings closer to the gates, planners have proposed to remove the moving walkways at the ends of the A and B concourses, keeping the walkways closer to the terminal. This would create 2,800ft² that could be used for restaurants and different types of seating with pedal-powered electronic device charging stations.
Conceptual drawings show limestone, wood and artificial grass proposed to be used in the build to reflect Indiana’s landscape.
Architectural company Synthesis Inc. and branding agency Bradley and Montgomery are working with the airport on the project. The current timelines call for design and construction to commence in the second quarter of 2018, reaching completion in 2025.