Glacier Park International Airport Expansion and Renovation Phase 1

Originally constructed in 1948, Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA) — then called Flathead County Airport — was most recently remodeled in 1999. Traveler counts roughly doubled between 2009 and 2019, creating an urgent need for updates. Cushing Terrell worked with architects of record Mead & Hunt and the general contractor — Swank Enterprises Q&D Construction LLC, A Joint Venture — to provide structural, electrical, and fire protection design services for this nearly $100 million, multi-phase expansion and renovation project.

The expansion, which increased the terminal footprint from 75,000 to 200,000 sq. ft., strategically prepared the airport for the project passenger volumes of the next 20 years. The new concourses are comprised of seven gates with departure lounges and boarding bridges. Additional upgrades included enhanced pre- and post-secure concessions, enlarged security checkpoint, baggage claim, airline ticketing offices, ticket lobby, administrative offices, and new baggage handling, screening, and outbound baggage make-up systems.

The design updated an aging terminal through a contemporary mountain aesthetic inspired by nearby national park lodges — most especially the one at Glacier National Park, a prime local tourist destination. Backlit steel panels reflecting the natural landscape set the stage for arriving visitors set under a steel, glass, and stone canopy. Bringing the outside in, heavy timber trusses supported on multistory stone piers frame views of the surrounding mountainscape through patterned glass walls. The Great Hall is a mixture of rustic and modern design, welcoming the next generation of visitors to the Flathead Valley.

All of the construction activities were performed while the airport remained 100% operational, which greatly contributed to the complexity of the project.