The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) recognized an opportunity to replace its terminal to better serve the community at the Sky Harbor Airport in Duluth, Minnesota, following the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the launch of the Airport Terminal Program (ATP). Built in 1979 and attached to an aircraft hangar, the 1,600-square-foot terminal was not fully ADA accessible, had aging mechanical systems, and failed to meet current regulatory flood elevation standards. SEH completed a MnDOT preliminary assessment in October 2022 that confirmed the facility’s poor condition and determined complete replacement to be the most viable and cost-effective solution.
The challenge extended beyond replacing an obsolete facility – it also included the need to secure competitive funding, navigate regulatory hurdles, and deliver a terminal that served passengers, pilots, and the broader community. Fortunately, the DAA laid the groundwork through a recently completed Terminal Area Master Plan, a terminal condition assessment, and ongoing coordination with the FAA. These efforts allowed the Authority to move quickly when ATP funding became available.
In 2023, with SEH’s support, the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) secured a highly competitive Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Out of more than 650 applicants nationwide, Duluth was one of only two airports in Minnesota selected during the program’s second year. The grant application stood out due to its proactive planning, strong stakeholder coordination, and clear alignment with FAA and MnDOT infrastructure priorities.
To assemble the full funding package, DAA combined resources from multiple sources. The majority of funding – approximately $1.92 million – came from the FAA’s ATP grant. To meet the required match, MnDOT contributed $520,000 through its IIJA Match Program, with the remaining $224,000 provided by local funds. By leveraging this layered funding strategy, DAA was able to cover 88.5% of project costs through federal support alone, significantly reducing the burden on local resources.
Efficient Delivery
After selection for funding was announced in March 2023, the team, including DAA, FAA, MnDOT, and SEH, moved swiftly to finalize the design and prepare for construction. Bids were opened in June, and construction began in September. Thanks to tight coordination and efficient project management, the new terminal opened to the public in May 2024, less than 18 months from design kickoff to ribbon cutting.
Terminal Design and Community Benefits
This efficient delivery was supported by a thoughtfully designed terminal that met both operational needs and community expectations. The new terminal offers a modern, accessible gateway for the Duluth aviation community, combining functionality with a welcoming design. Its layout enhances visibility, improves passenger flow, and creates a welcoming architectural presence on Park Point. Inside, the terminal prioritizes comfort and accessibility with an ADA-compliant design, increased natural lighting, and upgraded mechanical systems to replace outdated infrastructure. Travelers and aviation professionals alike benefit from thoughtfully designed amenities, including a pilot planning room, administrative offices, accessible concessions and vending areas, and a covered outdoor patio.
Designed to offer a seamless experience for pilots, passengers, staff, and the broader community – the new terminal ensures a more connected and convenient travel environment.
Navigating Construction Challenges
While the terminal’s design prioritized accessibility and user experience, bringing that vision to life on Park Point, a narrow, seven-mile sand split connected to the City of Duluth via Aerial Lift Bridge, required overcoming significant geotechnical and environmental challenges. In fall 2023, groundwater levels rose significantly before foundation work began. The team acted quickly, deploying a six-week dewatering system to manage groundwater and keep the project safely on schedule.
Given the site’s cultural and historical significance, the project also included close coordination with federal agencies and local tribal nations. Tribal observers were present on-site during excavation, and soil removal occurred in six-inch lifts to preserve any materials of historical relevance. This careful, respectful approach allowed the project to move forward without delays while honoring cultural resources.
Community Engagement and Lasting Impact
Beyond solving technical and environmental challenges, the project’s success was driven by strong community engagement and a commitment to creating a terminal that meets the needs of both travelers and the broader community. Residents, tenants, and stakeholders on Park Point were engaged throughout the planning and design process, offering feedback and helping shape the facility. As a result, the terminal reflects more than just transportation needs – it embodies a shared community vision.
By investing in long-term infrastructure, the Duluth Airport Authority has created a public asset that supports aviation, strengthens community pride, and improves the travel experience for all travelers.
Project
Sky Harbor Airport Terminal Building Construction
Location
Duluth, Minnesota
Client
Duluth Airport Authority
Features
Services