SAN ANTONIO — If flying were a metaphor for the San Antonio International Airport's ongoing mission to become what city leaders hope is eventually a "world-class" facility, then it's now buckled in for the next stage of its journey.
City Council on Tuesday approved a $1 billion contract with Hensel Phelps Construction as the airport ramps up planning to effectively double its size with the building of a third terminal. The $1.4 billion project is expected to add 17 gates and serves as the central component of a $2 billion plan to get San Antonio International (SAT) ready for future growth.
"We want to be a showcase, a gateway into our city," said Director of Airport Jesus Saenz, who referred to the scope of the terminal project as "transformative."
Saenz said construction of the terminal – expected to happen in late 2024 – will bring about 6,000 jobs to the Alamo City. The city is hoping to debut the terminal in the spring of 2028, having previously touted a more modern airport facility complete with a new ground transportation center and parking garage.
Dallas-based and Corgan Associated and San Antonio-based Lake|Flato was hired to design the terminal, conceptual drawings for which tease an outdoor courtyard area, conduits for natural lighting and textures reflecting South Texas terrain.
An evaluation committee put out a call for suitors on the project last summer before interviewing three finalists in September and ultimately choosing Hensel Phelps, which previously managed airport projects in Miami, Seattle, Austin and Houston.
Saenz also cited the firm's track record of working with local small businesses as well as awards won by Hensel Phelps for diversity excellence.
"Having a qualified, excellent, experienced construction manager now working with our local contracting community is an enormous benefit—not only for the execution of a world-class facility, but also for the creation of jobs and economic activity within our city," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Tuesday. "Our neighbors will essentially be building this new airport.”
Council members green-lit the contract 10-1. District 8 representative Manny Pelaez served as the only nay vote, saying city leaders didn't do enough to tout the opportunity to local construction firms while acknowledging that San Antonio subcontractors receiving the bulk of the contract is "worthy of celebration."
“My hope is that nobody thinks that my ‘No’ vote be translated into some sort of pejorative statement that reflects on Hensel Phelps. That is not the intent here," Pelaez said. "I think the fault lies on City Council for not having been a little bit more explicit in saying, ‘We would look favorably upon bidders who show up with local teams in tow.’”
Saenz said the airport is expected to have served 11 million passengers this year by the time 2023 comes to an end. As of now, he said, the new terminal is about 10% designed; the city hopes to reach "30% schematic renderings" by the time construction crews break ground.
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