Boise Airport's New Concourse Prepares for Take Off with Selection of Fentress Architects

Boise, Idaho – Boise Airport is proud to announce the selection of Fentress Architects for the design of its new Concourse A, a key component of the airport’s ongoing expansion efforts. This decision follows an extensive evaluation process initiated in January 2024, where the airport issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Administrative Services for Concourse Development and Terminal Improvements. An evaluation committee, consisting of industry experts and stakeholders, reviewed submissions and conducted interviews with the most qualified firms.

The Boise City Council has approved a contract with Fentress Architects, setting a Not to Exceed (NTE) amount of $42,465,000 for a term of five years, with an option to extend for a sixth year. Notably, no local taxpayer dollars are used to fund capital projects or operational expenses at Boise Airport.

The NTE amount provides flexibility, allowing the airport to issue task orders as needed, aligned with funding availability and project priorities. This approach enables Fentress Architects to develop a comprehensive timeline and phasing plan, ensuring a seamless and cohesive development process for Concourse A.

Deep Experience with Aviation Design
Fentress Architects is a top global architecture and design firm with a proven portfolio of aviation and transportation facilities projects that collectively serve over 500 million passengers each year. Fentress has helped airports like BNA in Nashville, TN; PDX in Portland, OR; and CHS in Charleston, SC with terminal redesigns and expansion projects. Central to all these projects was iconic architecture, a focus on establishing a strong sense of place that reflects its region and designing with sustainability in mind. Fentress will apply that same skillset at BOI as they lead the architectural design of the new concourse and updates to the existing facilities.

Local firms ZGA Architects, Cator Ruma and The Land Group will also join the project team, contributing valuable expertise in architectural design and permitting, mechanical and electrical planning, structural planning, civil engineering, facilities planning, and public outreach.

Boise Airport’s Growth and Recent Projects
The Boise Airport is undergoing a significant expansion to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Boise and Treasure Valley region. Over the past decade, the airport has seen an 82% increase in passenger traffic, reaching 4.75 million passengers in 2023. To address this surge, the airport is currently underway on a comprehensive BOI Upgrade capital development program.

Key projects completed under this initiative include:

• Expansion of the security checkpoint
• Construction of new public and employee parking garages
• Ongoing construction of a new rent-a-car garage

These projects reflect Boise Airport’s commitment to grow in pace with our community, ensuring the airport continues to meet the region’s demand for air service and maintain the convenient travel experience its passengers expect.

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ABOUT THE BOISE AIRPORT

The Boise Airport welcomed over 4.75 million passengers in 2023 and is served by nine airlines flying to 26 nonstop destinations. As infrastructure critical to the region’s growth and prosperity, the Boise Airport is a vital asset for Idaho and serves as a gateway to the entire Treasure Valley. According to a recent study, each year BOI generates more than $2.9 billion in total economic impact, supports more than 21,000 jobs in the region and produces more than $157 million in state and local taxes. BOI receives no local tax dollars. Visit iflyboise.com to learn more.