Major Improvements at MSP
The MAC made significant progress with two key construction programs at MSP in 2021: the continued modernization of Terminal 1’s Departures and Arrivals spaces and the expansion and improvements on Concourse G.
Arrivals
The Arrivals level has been transformed over the past three years, including new baggage carousels, restrooms and seating options designed to create an efficient, welcoming, amenity-rich environment.
In 2021, new centrally located, expanded restrooms were completed, as was a smaller restroom on the south side. The central restrooms feature an adult changing room with a hoist and private nursing and lactation rooms for new moms. The entrances of the central restrooms also feature four, Venetian glass wall mosaics titled Quadriga, by local artist MaryBeth Garrigan.
Also inaugurated were six new baggage carousels that use both audio and visual cues – nature sounds and the Aurora Borealis - when bags are about to arrive. These carousels can handle 50 percent more luggage than their predecessors and are expected to serve MSP for decades.
Departures
Continued work on the Departures level brought dozens of self-serve flight check-in kiosks, improved lighting, high-visibility airline location indicators, improved wayfinding, striking Terrazzo floors and The Aurora by Artist Jen Lewin.
Work on the expansion of the South Security Checkpoint also continued. This multi-phase project allows workers to lay all new Terrazzo floors without taking any of the checkpoint’s current lanes out of service. When completed the number of lanes will have increased from six to nine.
An unseen – yet ingenious – improvement is the installation of hearing loop systems added to portions of the new flooring and at the new information desks on both levels. Hearing loops help people who use hearing assistive devices with telecoil-enabled technology to filter out background noise and better hear overhead announcements – an important feature when visiting an airport.
Improvements to these spaces will continue into 2022 with a completion date set for 2024.
Concourse G
Work continued in 2021 at the east end of Concourse G – gates G17-G22 – to expand the gate hold areas, provide larger, modernized restrooms, and bring artwork into the space. These improvements are part of a larger program to refurbish and reimagine the entire concourse, breathing new life into a well-used section of the terminal.
Work on Concourse G will continue into 2022 and include new food and beverage venues. Delta Air Lines is also planning a third MSP Airport Sky Club overlooking the new two-story glass rotunda and featuring the airport’s first outdoor lounge area for patrons.