Opened at the dawn of the Space Age, the 66-year-old terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio will soon give way to a new facility that embodies the aspirations for air travel in the 21st century.

Designed by a team led by Gensler with local partner Moody Nolan, the new, 1-million-sq-ft terminal is the result of more than two decades of planning and research. With a gently curved exterior profile inspired by sweeping Midwestern horizons and waterways, the two-level, 36-gate terminal will accommodate 13 million passengers annually—nearly double the airport’s current volume. Features include a consolidated security checkpoint, a central marketplace with views of the airfield and Columbus, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to the airport's rental car center and a new, 5,000-vehicle parking garage equipped with electric vehicle charging technology.

The estimated $2-billion construction program includes landside roadways, airside apron and taxiways and underground infrastructure. According to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, funding will come from a combination of federal sources and bonds backed by future revenue of airlines and tenant businesses, passenger user fees, parking and concessions.

Other sustainability elements include smart glass and other daylighting-efficient design materials, energy-efficient building systems, hydration stations for reusable water bottles and extensive re-use of reclaimed water.

The construction-manager-at-risk, Hensel Phelps and Columbus-based general contractor Elford, will begin the four-year construction phase next year.