Skanska USA Bldg. cuts ribbon for $29m Nantucket Memorial Airport

The Nantucket Memorial Airport has re-opened their terminal, after a 20-month, $29 million renovation and expansion project. The Nantucket Memorial Airport Commission hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony. Skanska USA Building was the project's construction manager, Earth Tech Architecture, now AECOM, served as the project designer and designed both architectural and engineering components of the project. Jacobs, Edwards, & Kelcey served as the owner's project manager. The terminal was expanded by 23,000 s/f, including a 6,000 s/f basement addition and 6,300 s/f of office airline space. All windows, roofing trim and siding were refurbished using much of the existing materials. New elevator and baggage handling systems were installed and the electrical and fire alarms were upgraded. In addition, the airport's first air conditioning system was added. New gift shop and car rental areas were also built. Overseen by Skanska USA Building, the project's construction manager, these green features are highlighted by the terminal becoming one of the first in the country to run on an HVAC geothermal system, which extracts power from heat stored in the earth instead of relying on fossil fuels. In order to minimize fuel and electricity usage and costs, tankless water heaters and low-flow toilets and bathroom sinks were installed. Additionally, 100% of the replaced floor and roof surfaces, and 50% of the wall surfaces, were re-used in the renovation. The renovation and expansion project totaled $29 million. The Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission funded $12 million and the Federal Aviation Administration paid for $11.5 million of the project. The remaining portion was paid for by Nantucket Memorial Airport. Skanska USA Building also served as project manager for the redevelopment of Delta Air Lines' Terminal A in 2005 at Logan International Airport where they oversaw the replacement of an outdated, 33-year-old terminal into a 661,000 s/f world-class facility that was the first airport terminal in the world to receive LEED certification. The new Terminal A green construction process included the use of recycled materials, natural lighting, energy conservation plans, and alternative fuel sources. The terminal was transformed into a world class facility, and now operates as the first LEED certified airport terminal in the world. The town of Nantucket is the owner and the Nantucket Memorial Airport Commission is responsible for the custody, care, and management of the airport. "We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated terminal at Nantucket Memorial Airport," said Al Peterson, Manager of Nantucket Memorial Airport. "It has now been modernized to improve the passenger experience and serve as a greener, more efficient airport that can act as a guiding light for future airport renovations of this size." "Working to implement and execute green initiatives was a top priority for the renovation of the terminal," said Paul Hewins, executive vice president/area general manager at Skanska USA Building. "Geothermal power is cutting-edge technology for airport terminals. We hope this project will serve as a model for future airports seeking to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly."