The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport has a broad-reaching connection throughout the world, through the multi-national companies that are located in the region. Meeting the need for increasing enplanements and future growth was the driving factor in the creation of this airport terminal. The decision to build a replacement facility resulted in a design of a new terminal directly adjacent to the existing facility. The 121,000-square-foot, single-level terminal has 12 gates and nine passenger boarding bridges. The new design was supported by an apron and landside expansion, airfield lighting expansion, and a new electrical vault. RS&H provided architectural, engineering, planning, and environmental services for the new building.
The terminal has been designed to reflect the Peoria community’s culture including its relationship with the Illinois River, its strong international corporate presence, and varied local materials. The terminal is configured in an “H” plan, allowing expansion even while restricted by the existing passenger parking and taxiway. The facility incorporates a gradual transition through the use of a sloped floor, allowing the airside hold room to be five feet above the apron level to process passenger loading for a variety of aircraft. The overall arrangement of the terminal has been designed to allow for efficient circulation between operations for aircraft, bag make-up and bag claim.
The terminal facility was designed to be energy efficient and employ sustainable features. Clerestories and expanses of glass in its public spaces provide opportunities to introduce natural day lighting. Large overhangs are strategically located to provide solar protection while allowing natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. The terminal is a steel frame building with a brick and a stone masonry cladding. The interior walls feature a warm colour palette of three different tones of wood panelling and bronze metal highlights.
Peoria International Airport is the 2013 recipient of the Illinois Public Airports Association (IPAA) Outstanding Achievement Award. The Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria received this award in recognition of the successful new terminal that opened in 2011 and the record levels of passenger activity that the terminal has helped to generate.
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