Sol Harris Day Architecture

The expansion to a wing of gates is the final piece of a 10-year plan to remodel and modernize the Akron-Canton Airport. With the gates originally built in 1962, CAK realized that they were too congested, lacked amenities that their customers preferred, and were not designed for modern aircraft. These improvements allowed for increased traffic, accommodating the changes in today’s aircraft size and positioning the Airport for future growth.

Project Goals

Known for its smaller size and many conveniences to travelers, Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) has become a hub for travelers in Northeast Ohio. As tourism to the region has grown, a steady increase in travelers over the years since the airport’s inception in 1946 demanded a larger, more modern facility to accommodate travelers and modern aircraft.  The terminal and gates, built in 1962 for American and Delta Airlines, were intended for small, turbo-prop planes.  Though the airport made updates throughout the years to improve the gates, it was time for a substantial transformation that would accommodate 737-800 aircraft.

The new two-level modernized concourse is filled with light and loaded with amenities to enhance the passenger experience, including improved wi-fi and power outlets galore, a business lounge, private mother's room, a bright and colorful kids play area, sensory room, and even an indoor pet relief area.

Services

  • Facility Assessments
  • Program Verification
  • Space Utilization
  • Site Selection
  • Visioning
  • Estimating/Scheduling
  • Sustainable Design
  • Branding
  • Visualizations and Graphics
  • Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • FF&E
  • Owners Rep

Building Organization

The gate expansion updated the original concourse which opened in 1962. The renovation project had three parts including drainage work and the construction of a 22,900-square-yard concrete aircraft parking apron. Next was the construction of a two-level, 41,600 sf concourse that allows for nine gates, five new and four existing that were renovated. The last part involves the demolition of the old concourse, which will allow for 7,500 square yards of aircraft parking apron.

This project positions the airport for many years of growth and prosperity while maintaining our convenient, relaxing experience for travelers.

Ren Camacho, Akron-Canton Airport President and CEO

Interior Concept

Large open spaces fill the new concourse, giving passengers plenty of room to spread out and relax as they wait for their flight. Wood tones accent the walls and furniture to warm up the spaces. Seating areas are equipped with built in charging stations throughout and free Wi-Fi access. Floor-to-ceiling windows cover the exterior walls to give passengers spectacular views of the planes arriving and departing. The new concourse includes jet bridges at every gate, keeping passengers dry and safe from the elements as they enter their plane.

Security + Phased Construction

Located on the south side of the terminal, the designs for 5 new gates and the renovation of 4 existing ones was carefully planned with a phased construction schedule. This allowed the Airport to continue full operations during construction. Being an airport project, security was at the forefront of the design and construction planning. The new gates were constructed on the land side and when in operation will be on the secure side. This reduced construction costs since there was not the added costs of workers having to pass through security to work.

Highlights

  • The project was a collaboration with Leo A. Daly, a national firm who specializes in airport design
  • Developed a new gate expansion wing to allow for increased traffic and to accommodate the changes in today’s travel and aircraft size
  • Addition of many modern amenities for travelers, typically only seen at larger airports, including a variety of comfortable, practical furniture with power access, a business lounge, mothers room, sensory room, play area, and even an indoor pet relief area
  • A phased construction schedule allowed the airport to remain fully operational
  • Worked with the Airport and FAA/TSA for approvals
  • Constructed on the land side and converted to the secure side once operational to increase efficiency and lower construction costs

Meet the Team

  • Matt Sutter
  • Burt Marzley
  • Justin Gantz

Awards

  • Construction Risk Partners Build America (AGC) - Merit Award

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K-12

Alliance City SchoolsAshland County-West Holmes Career CenterCanton City SchoolsCarrollton Exempted Village SchoolsCentral Catholic High SchoolChippewa Local SchoolsCrestwood Local SchoolsCuyahoga Valley Christian AcademyThe Golden Key for Exceptional ChildrenGreen Local Schools (Green, Ohio)Green Local Schools (Smithville, Ohio)Indian Creek Local SchoolsJackson Local SchoolsLake Local SchoolsMarlington Local SchoolsMassillon City SchoolsNordonia Hills City School DistrictNorth Canton City SchoolsNorthwest Local SchoolsOsnaburg Local SchoolsPerry Local SchoolsRG Drage Career Technical CenterRootstown Local SchoolsSandy Valley Local SchoolsSolon City SchoolsSt. Michael SchoolStark County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesStrasburg-Franklin Local SchoolsTallmadge City SchoolsTriway Local SchoolsWayne County Schools

Higher Education

Ashland UniversityBelmont CollegeBethany CollegeBluffton UniversityThe College of WoosterGrove City CollegeIndiana Wesleyan UniversityKent State UniversityKenyon CollegeMalone UniversityMount Vernon Nazarene UniversityNorth Central State CollegeStark State CollegeThe Ohio State UniversityUniversity of AkronUniversity of Mount UnionWalsh UniversityWashington State Community College

Workplace

3D Business AcceleratorAdvanced Storage SystemsAirtex ProductsAkron-Canton AirportAkron Community FoundationAmerimar Enterprises, Inc.ASC IndustriesBair's PowersportsBAM Healthy CuisineBekaertBridgestone AmericasCampbell Oil CompanyCutler RealtorsDeHoff DevelopmentDeVille DevelopmentsDiebold NixdorfDix CommunicationsDowntown FordEnvironmental Design GroupFedex Custom CriticalFirst MeritGE CapitalGoddard SchoolsGreat Lakes ConstructionHampton InnIn The RoundKiko Auctioneers and RealtorsLean DogLeopard Town TwirlersLG FuelNational Inventors Hall of FameNickles BakeryPegasus FarmPetitti Garden CenterPenske TruckProgressive ChryslerProgressive InsurancePro Car Automotive GroupPro Football Hall of FameS.D. Myers IndustriesSecuritas Electronic SecuritySterling JewelersStruktol Company of AmericaTaylor BankThe Timken CompanyUnited Glass and Panel SystemsYoung Truck

Recreation

Alliance Family YMCABoy Scouts of AmericaBrookside Country ClubBucyrus Area YMCACambridge YMCACampCarl.lifeCongress Lake Country ClubEric Snow YMCA (Downtown Canton)Ernie's Bicycle ShopFirestone Country ClubGeauga Park DistrictGirl Scouts of North East OhioGlenmoor Country ClubLakota YMCALouisville YMCAMassillon Boys & Girls ClubMinerva YMCAMount Vernon YMCAMurfreesboro Tennis ComplexMuskingum Watershed Conservancy DistrictNorth Canton YMCAParamount Tennis ClubPaul & Carol David YMCA (Jackson)Pegasus FarmShady Hallow Country ClubSilver Lake Country ClubStark ParksStark County Wilderness CenterTiffin Community YMCATuscarawus County YMCAWestbrook Country ClubYMCA of Central Stark CountyAlliance Country ClubAshland County Parks

Other

Aultman FoundationAultman HospitalChapel Hill Retirement CommunityGastroenterology SpecialistsThe Lenzy Family InstituteMeniru Medical OfficesRose Lane Nursing & RehabilitationScriptShop PharmacyShady Lawn Nursing & RehabilitationSt. Lukes Lutheran HomeThe Pines Lakeside TherapyTraditions at Bath Road Nursing HomeTrillium Family SolutionsUnion HospitalWooster Community HospitalAkron Community FoundationArtsinStarkBolivar Volunteer Fire DepartmentCanton Township FireCarroll County District LibraryCarroll County TransitCity of WoosterJackson TownshipLiberty Development CompanyLouisville Public LibraryMassillon Fire DepartmentMassillon MuseumMassillon Public LibraryMinerva Champer of CommercePerry Township Police DepartmentPlain Township Fire DepartmentSeville-Guilford Township Fire and EMSSmithville Fire DepartmentStark County CommissionersStark County Department of Job & Family ServicesStark County District LibraryStark Community FoundationSummit County Department of Job & Family ServicesThe Chapel in AkronChrist Community Chapel in HudsonFirst Friends ChurchGrace United Methodist ChurchGreentown United Methodist ChurchHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox ChurchSt. Mary's Catholic ChurchSt. Michael the Archangel ParishSt. Michael Lutheran ChurchSt. Stephens Lutheran Martyr ChurchA.H. Wilson BuildingBenders TavernCanton Palace TheatreHoover HouseLake TownshipLimbauch BuildingsLions Lincoln TheatreMassillon Heritage FoundationNational First Ladies LibrarySpring Hill Historic HomeSt. Edward HotelWooly Pig Farm BreweryAlmost Heaven Homemade Ice CreamBoggs Chiropractic

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