Operational Improvements Program (OI)
Dates - 2016-2025
Cost - $525 million budget
Description - Expansion and modernization of all levels in the pre-security areas of Terminal 1.
Project Summary
- Expanded the terminal 15 feet across the entire non-secure entrance side of Terminal 1 to improve public seating, vestibules, curbside, passenger flow, and sight lines.
- Consolidated checkpoints at each end of terminal to improve passenger movements and throughput
- Improved passenger movements with central elevators and escalators, and new terminal exits to baggage claim
- Implementation of technologies to map lobby activity and to display security wait times to improve passenger flow efficiencies, and customize messaging for security, airline and other travel partners
- New and modernized ticketing and check-in operations.
- Added new restrooms, lighting, Terrazzo flooring, and seating on all levels
- Replacement of all baggage carousels on the Arrivals Level with larger systems to accommodate current and future demand.
- Total improved space: 330,000 sq. ft.
The Aurora and mosaic murals
- The OI program included partner-project with Airport Foundation MSP, which operates the Arts@MSP program.
- The Aurora, a 29 ft. high high-tech sculpture by artist Jen Lewin, was installed in February 2021.
- It’s located in the center of the ticketing and arrivals levels, hanging through an oval opening between the floors.
- The sculpture features thousands of light bulbs with LEDs inside that are programmed to display a constantly changing light show that can be influenced by people walking below the sculpture.
- The Foundation also expanded its stunning collection of mosaic murals, with six new murals at new restrooms on both the departure and arrivals levels.
