Ashville Phase 1 Terminal Modernization

(Images Courtesy of Gresham)

Arora Engineers (Arora) was part of the team responsible for the expansion and modernization of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority’s (AVL) terminal building. The project transformed the existing single-story, seven-gate facility into a two-story, twelve-gate terminal. The terminal structure was expanded from approximately 115,000 SF to 275,000 SF. Arora served as a subconsultant to Gresham Smith, a member of the design team for this Construction Manager @ Risk (CM@R) delivery project. The design incorporated elements to accommodate AVL’s anticipated growth over the next 20 years.

The modernization included a new second-level security screening checkpoint for enhanced growth and adaptability, a resized and modernized ticketing lobby to support multiple users, and improved curbside amenities featuring dynamic signage. A new baggage claim hall was designed to align with future fleet mix needs and provide ample airline and airport support space. Additionally, a Central Energy Plant was constructed on-site to meet infrastructure demands with scalability and redundancy

Arora led the Special Systems and Fire Protection Engineering design and provided Code Consulting services for the AVL Phase 1 Terminal Modernization Project.

SCOPE OF SERVICES INCLUDED:

The team began with a Basis of Design Report (BOD) that analyzed connections to existing terminal systems and the tower above. The BOD identified systems requiring upgrades, expansion, replacement, or relocation. This data supported conceptual design and construction phasing strategies to maintain system functionality during active construction.

Special Systems Engineering

Structured Cabling System (SCS): Designed as the communications backbone for MEP, tenant, TSA, CBP, CCTV, ACS, EVIDS, and CUPPS systems. Included cable tray/conduit infrastructure, TR design/layout, and grounding systems.
Electronic Video Information Displays (EVIDS): Designed and coordinated visual paging systems such as FIDS, BIDS, GIDS, RIDS, TIDS, and more.
Public Address / Audio Paging Systems: Designed intelligent paging systems with ambient noise sensing, intelligibility analysis, and emergency/mass notification integration.
Access Control & CCTV: Engineered access control doors, duress systems, and IP-based CCTV integrated with BHS and security operations, including TSA visibility.
Wi-Fi and DAS: Designed wireless and distributed antenna systems for seamless passenger connectivity.
Passenger Processing Systems: Provided common use system (CUS) design, including ticketing, gate equipment integration, and power coordination with architects and consultants.

Fire Protection Engineering

Wet sprinkler systems to meet the requirement of a fully sprinklered building
Dry sprinkler systems to protect exterior and unconditioned areas
Manual wet standpipe system throughout for manual fire fighting
Valving provisions for future modifications of tenant spaces