Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York, US, underwent a major renovation, which transformed the 55-year old airport into a state-of-the-art transportation hub.
Located in the heart of the Central New York (CNY) region, the airport serves more than one million passengers a year.
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As part of its Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization project, the New York State government approved funds for the upgrade in January 2017.
The airport’s ageing infrastructure, safety and security system have been renovated to offer advanced services for passengers. The project created new jobs to boost the regional economy.
Completed in November 2018, the project has prompted continued growth of the airport in the future.
Syracuse Hancock airport revitalisation design and features
The rehabilitation project included a wide-scale redesign of a number of airport facilities, with more modern ticketing and baggage handling facilities.
The passenger terminal building has been remodelled to increase its capacity with the addition of 14,500ft2 of space for more facilities. New flooring and furniture has been installed designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for passengers, and the building’s facade features a new glass curtain wall to allow more natural light into the interiors.
Designed with assistance from the Onondaga Historical Association, a regional aviation history museum has been built in the transit centre. The museum exhibits educational displays, a visual timeline of significant airport events, and an area showcasing figures from the airport’s history.
Other new facilities include a Taste NY grab-and-go kiosk, which provides confectionary, fruit and drinks that promote New York’s food and beverage producers.
The airport entrance on the south side is decorated with perforated steel panels with SYR lettering and an outline of the state map.
Enhanced passenger services and drop-off areas
The passenger drop-off area has been upgraded with a new exterior facade and an eco-friendly green roof canopy.
It features a new glass pedestrian bridge, which allows passengers with mobile tickets to skip queues and go directly to their respective flights. In addition, a new grand hall has been built to provide a space for all passengers and visitors to the airport.
Other development projects include the repaving of Colonel Eileen Collins Boulevard and the reconfiguration of pick-up and drop-off traffic lanes, as well as the introduction of an expanded concession programme, a new stairway, renovated restrooms, and ticket counters.
Environmentally friendly exteriors and roof
The airport exteriors have been fitted with perforate corten steel panels, energy-efficient windows, and a new rainwater collection system.
Energy-efficient lighting has been installed throughout the airport, along with a cold weather green roof to promote eco-friendly practices and increase the building’s capacity.
Financing for the revitalisation project
The total investment for the revamp project was $62.4m, which included $35.8m from the New York State government and $14.9m from the federal government. The remaining $11.7m was provided by the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and Onondaga County.
The grant was part of the second round of the $200m Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalisation Competition launched by the state government in 2016. The competition aims to upgrade airports in New York in order to attract more businesses and economic opportunities.
The competition includes $190m for airport projects and an additional $10m allocated through the Governor’s Aviation Capital Grant Program, which supports safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects at smaller airports across the state.
Contractors involved
LeChase was responsible for renovations of the airport, including the new terminal, pedestrian bridges, modernisation of ticketing and baggage services and a new glass exterior façade.
