The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Westfield Concession Management have unveiled detailed plans for the $26 million redevelopment of Terminal 5 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The revamp of the terminal, which started in July this year and is scheduled for completion in autumn 2013, includes 15 new dining and retail brands and is the first redevelopment since the terminal's construction in 1993.
Significantly, when the project is finished, passengers will have access to a new diverse selection of dining and retail post-security.
Previously, 95% of the terminal's dining and retail options were located pre-security, making it difficult for passengers to access dining and shopping while waiting for flights.
Westfield Concession Management and its tenant partners are investing more than $26 million into the terminal over the course of the redevelopment, generating a total of 180 construction positions.
The new dining and retail programme will create 100 new full-time concession jobs, adding to the existing 180 concession jobs for a total of approximately 280 employees.
Rosemarie Andolino, commissioner of the CDA, said: “The reconfigured Terminal 5 raises the bar for airport concessions programmes in Chicago and across the country.
“The redevelopment fulfils Mayor Rahm Emanuel's vision to transform the terminal into a world-class experience for international visitors and Chicago travellers alike.”
The renovated terminal interior – including a new food court with performance kitchens – will offer a redesigned, more efficient TSA checkpoint and feature new lighting, signage, fixtures and other first-class amenities while incorporating sustainable and recycled materials.
Meanwhile, a central element of the new design is the European-style pass-through duty-free store which all departing passengers will flow through after clearing the new TSA checkpoint.
Operated by Dufry, the duty-free shopping programme will link Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile shopping district to Terminal 5. Travellers will enjoy stand-alone luxury shops from renowned designers Bvlgari, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo and Emporio Armani.
For more information about Westfield Concession Management's redevelopment programme for Terminal 5 click here.
| 
