LaGuardia Airport Renovation

Terminal B

Concourse B is the first enclosed structure to be completed in the monumental renovation of Terminal B at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport in Queens. At over $5 billion in construction, this airport renovation project is the largest public-private partnership for infrastructure in the United States, and the first of its kind for a major U.S. airport.

Due to the high-profile nature of this project, performance criteria was stringent and design reviews were more focused than projects of similar scope. McLaren Engineering Group’s efforts helped facilitate and expedite the production and approval of the various elements of the terminal’s unique custom wall system.

Sustainable Certifications

LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4 Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the first airline terminal in the world to achieve recognition for the more stringent standards.

This is also the first project to be awarded the Envision Platinum rating, under a revamped and broadened Version 3 framework, by Sustainable Infrastructure.

Facade System

At its highest point, Concourse B’s interior open space spans vertically 60 feet. The facade system is comprised of laser-fusion welded steel mullions and a custom glazed cassette panel system, accommodating these grand spans with minimal anchorage and visual impact (typically only two hidden anchors for each mullion). McLaren served as the reviewer and responsible design professional for this custom glass wall system, providing design assistance and performance mockup calculations.

The design-build nature of the project accelerated the schedule for the design, fabrication, and installation of the wall system. McLaren brought their glass and glazing expertise and familiarity with local codes and performance standards to the project to help their client, KPA Studio, successfully deliver this airport renovation project to completion.

McLaren additionally provided structural design and thermal/condensation analysis services for all of the custom glazed curtain wall, anchorages and subsequent field fixes. Signed and sealed calculations and stamped KPA Studio drawings were included within these tasks.

Pedestrian Walkway

The 430 ft. long by 97 ft. high Terminal B pedestrian walkway strategically spans over an operational taxiway. Travelers experience planes passing underneath through this innovative aviation design that increases LGA’s runway space by 50%. McLaren provided structural calculations for the design of its glass facade anchors, including dead load brackets and the connections to the building steel.

Runway

Outside, our Marine Division also supported a different aspect of LGA’s revamp through a complex condition survey and assessment of the airport’s runway extension and the Bowery Bay bulkhead. To identify any potential structural and non-structural deficiencies, our team of marine engineers and PE divers performed above and underwater inspections.