O’Hare Opens New Concourse, Largest Expansion in 25 years

CHICAGO – Today F.H. Paschen joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel to open the new American Airlines L Stinger Concourse for operations, O’Hare International Airport’s first gate capacity expansion in 25 years. Paschen’s Aviation Group was selected by American Airlines through a competitive bid process. The investment in these new gates will translate to shorter taxi times, fewer delays and improved circulation throughout the core terminal.

The Paschen team delivered the project from initial design through completed construction in 24 months despite significant project site obstacles. During construction, Paschen could not disrupt access for critical airport emergency equipment or interfere with gate operations of six different airline carriers. The project site was further complicated due to its proximity to an active Guard Post for airport security, firefighting and other first responder operations, along with its proximity to Terminal 3, which supports a heavy volume of daily flights along with a baggage roadway necessary for ground support equipment.

“This project is a true testament of the successful collaboration between client, designer and contractor. The progressive spirit of the team made the project successful in so many ways,” said Frank Mullaghy, Vice President of Paschen’s Aviation Group. “Key performance indicators with respect to the budget, schedule, safety and quality were achieved through the commitment and experience of our managers and workforce coupled with the mutual respect of each team member, open communication and transparency across the project.”.

Paschen also delivered on their commitment to utilizing a diverse group of subcontractors and workers. Paschen granted over 47 percent of this project’s subcontracts to minority and women owned businesses and over 48 percent of work hours were performed by skilled minority workers. Keeping with Paschen’s long term commitment to community engagement, diversity and inclusion and their philosophy of creating real opportunities for all, these results far exceed the federal minority workforce requirement of 19.6 percent.

The fast track nature and location of this large-scale project on an active airfield in one of world’s busiest airports required the knowledge and experience of a select group of aviation experts. Paschen was selected along with the design team of Corgan, Jacobs, Thornton Tomasetti and HTP, who together provided a seamless integration of design and construction. Utilizing a CM@ Risk delivery method, Paschen delivered this project on time and on budget by working hand-in-hand with the Design Team, Department of Aviation and American Airlines while minimizing disruptions to active airfield operations.

“At Corgan we create places where our clients thrive,” said Andy Bell, Project Manager and Senior Associate of Corgan. “At O’Hare this is exemplified in our efforts but was possible because of a full team of driven industry experts. Paschen’s pedigree and leadership made this project a tremendous success and a true privilege to be a part of.”

In 2016, the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Aviation unanimously approved this plan. American Airlines maintained responsibility for all costs, which amounted to about $70 million. The City estimates this project will generate an additional $500 million in revenue annually.