Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) has broken ground on its boarding project, which will create up to six boarding gates. The facility is scheduled to open in summer 2019.
Hensel Phelps Construction Company and Fentress Architects have partnered in a design-build collaboration to deliver an interim gates facility at SJC in response to current and predicted record passenger growth.
Based on an announcement issued by SJC earlier this year, more non-stop flights and destinations are contributing to the projected 14 million+ passengers that will be served in 2018, equaling SJC’s peak traffic levels prior to 9/11 in 2001.
The expansion will enhance flight scheduling flexibility, decrease delays, allow SJC to meet desired passenger service levels, and support current operations and planned growth.
Connected to the Fentress-designed Terminal B on the south end, the budgeted US$58m facility will include five gates with passenger boarding bridges; a sixth gate position to be ground loaded; a 15,000ft² (1,400m²), 550-person hold room; and additional concession space.
Terminal B, completed in 2010 by the same team as part of SJC’s Terminal Area Improvement Program, was the first LEED Silver certified terminal in the USA.
Fentress’s design unites the architectural elements of the expansion with SJC’s iconic Terminal B, creating an interim facility that complements the airport’s overall design concept. The exterior incorporates contrasting light and dark corrugated metal panels and clerestory windows on the landside façade, enabling daylight to permeate the facility and creating an illuminated space that enhances the passenger experience.