Estes Construction was selected as construction manager-at-risk for the $20 million Phase 2 of the Quad Cities International Airport’s ambitious Project Gateway multi-year terminal renovation program.
Estes was chosen through a competitive bid process, QCIA (MLI) said in a news release announcing Estes’ hiring. The Davenport-headquartered contractor and builder will work alongside Wisconsin-based design firm Mead & Hunt on this public-facing phase.
“We’re honored to be selected as the construction partner for Phase 2 of Project Gateway,” Estes Construction CEO Kent Pilcher said in the QCIA release.
“This project represents an ongoing investment in our region’s future. Airports are often one of the first impressions that visitors have of a community, and we’re proud to help create a welcoming gateway that supports regionalism, tourism and connects people with opportunity,” he added.
The $20 million project focuses on the public side of the terminal. It represents the most construction-intensive and passenger-visible phase of the modernization effort, the airport said. It will be funded through existing airport capital, with federal funding applications currently in process, according to the QCIA.
Phase 2 is expected to break ground in March. It is expected to take 18 months to compete. Phase 2 will mark the airport’s first passenger area terminal modernization since 1985. That was before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the advent of rollaboard luggage.
Project Gateway’s Phase Two follows last April’s celebration of the completed $18 million Phase One renovation that included a new 14,600-square-foot secure baggage makeup building and modernized ticket counters. That project launched on April 4, 2024, with Mortenson, which has offices in Iowa City, as the general contractor.
‘Most visible’ impact
“This next phase will have the most visible and lasting impact on our terminal,” QCIA Executive Director Ben Leischner said.
“Using local expertise and local labor has been a priority from the beginning,” he added. “Selecting a well-respected Quad Cities-based construction management team like Estes aligns with our commitment to invest in the region while delivering a modern, functional facility for our passengers.”
QCIA said planned improvements include updated restrooms that exceed ADA standards such as adult changing tables; new restrooms in the baggage claim area; nursing mothers’ suites; a refreshed restaurant, café and gift shop spaces with new concepts and layouts; and expanded lounge areas and seating.
Also included is replacement of the terminal’s bumpy old brown brick flooring with smooth terrazzo. New carpeting will also be installed to improve durability, accessibility and passenger flow.
Phase 2 is the latest step in “a carefully sequenced, multi-phase construction plan designed to keep the airport fully operational throughout the renovation,” QCIA said. Future construction within the terminal will also be phased to limit disruptions to passengers, airlines and tenants.
Phase 2 will have an IMPACT construction agreement. That requires that skilled and well-trained union partners will complete this project to ensure high quality, cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies, the QCIA said.
“Estes Construction completed the first IMPACT construction agreement project in 1989 in partnership with the Quad-City Times and is looking forward to collaborating with our regional trade partners to deliver Phase 2 of Project Gateway,” Mr. Pilcher added.
QCIA said earlier Project Gateway work focused on infrastructure and operational improvements needed to support future construction. Later phases will complete remaining curbside and post-security enhancements.
