Airport Experience And Updates

Lambert begins major renovation program

Airport Experience launches with restoration of historic domes

(St. Louis) Lambert-St. Louis International Airport officially kicked off the Airport Experience renovation program announcing the first projects underway totaling $16.9 million in improvements. That’s in addition to a $16 million upgrade of Lambert’s restaurants and bars as part of a separate campaign at Lambert.

“We’re proud to begin these much anticipated improvements after listening to our passengers, airport users and the community,” said Richard Hrabko, Director of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. “In spite of these volatile and uncertain times in the travel industry, we currently have the ability to begin the transformation of our historic facility while remaining fiscally responsible.” 

During the kickoff event, Director Richard Hrabko detailed Lambert’s commitment to improve the facilities and create a better passenger experience.  He spoke in front of a construction wall mural in the Main Terminal that highlights the great history of Lambert Airport, which includes some photos that have never been made public before.   

The Airport Experience is a multi-phase program to modernize and upgrade the Main Terminal and concourses.  The first Airport Experience project beginning in July is the interior restoration of Lambert’s four historic domes.  A complete replacement of Lambert’s Main Terminal in-bound baggage system is scheduled to begin in early 2009. That project will include all new carousels and oversize luggage retrieval systems. The third project, also set for early 2009, is the makeover of Lambert’s roadway signage program. This “Wayfinding” project involves creation of a master plan for all signs and the installation of all new messaging to help travelers and airport users better navigate to and from Lambert

Passengers and airport users are already seeing improvements and construction related to Lambert’s new agreement with HMSHost. It is investing $16 million ($13 million by 2011) to introduce more local and upscale dining venues. Three new concepts are now under construction in the Main Terminal. Local favorite, The Pasta House Co., will open in the lower level in the fall of 2008.  Brioche Dorée Café and Missouri Vineyards, a new wine bar concept are scheduled to open in early 2009 in the Ticketing Hall of the Main Terminal.

Other new dining options include Mosaics Tapas Fusion, which has been named one of top restaurants in St. Louis; Fitz’s Root Beer; Baja Fresh and a new Freshëns.   The construction schedules and opening dates for those venues will be determined at a later date.

Lambert is also moving forward on the next stage for other projects that are part of Airport Experience Program. Architectural, engineering and other design work will now proceed for renovations to the Main Terminal Ticketing Hall, lower level and concourses. Designers are tasked with finding the most economical ways to improve ticketing operations, security checkpoints and restrooms, while upgrading flooring, ceiling and wall coverings to improve the overall experience for airport users. Scheduling of these projects will not be determined only after the design phase is completed.

“From the start, Lambert intended for the renovation program to proceed with only those projects that deliver the most impact for airport users and/or to improve airport operations. That continues to be our goal,” said Hrabko. “As we move through the design phase of the next projects, we will carefully monitor our budget and the economic landscape of the airline and airport industries to make sure the airport is financially secure before we proceed with the construction of our next projects.”