TAMPA, FL — Hensel Phelps recently celebrated the topping out of the Main Terminal Curbside Expansion for the Blue Side at Tampa International Airport. The 150,000-square-foot project includes new express curbsides that will make the airport more efficient by allowing guests to bypass the ticketing level or baggage claim areas via a new vertical circulation building. These express curbsides are expected to make their debut on the airport’s Blue Side of the terminal in early 2022.

“There’s so much to be proud of, and there’s evidence of that behind us. But first, none of this could happen without being safe,” said Al Illustrato, Executive Vice President of Facilities and Planning & Development for Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA).

The project also includes express curbsides on the Red Side to be completed in late 2024 and a Central Utility Plant, which will power the airport and help increase efficiency and sustainability. Additional scope includes a loading dock and the demolition of the airport’s existing administration building.

During the event, Hensel Phelps honored two HCAA employees who championed the Main Terminal Curbside Expansion project and have plans to retire this year: Illustrato and Brian Rumble, Senior Manager of Facilities Development, who have both worked for HCAA for over 30 years and have supported the growth of the Tampa International Airport.

Drew Krizman, Hensel Phelps Program Director, spoke to the importance of owner engagement throughout the life of a design-build project and how Illustrato and Rumble have quickly responded to all inquiries, which has helped progress the project smoothly.

Both were honored for their hard work and dedication with a plaque adhered to the final structural beam for the Main Terminal Curbside Expansion project. The event also included Safety and Quality Control recognition awards for craft on the project, as well as raffle prizes and a barbecue lunch.