meetinchicago.com consolidates rental cars, public parking, Metra rail, and regional buses in one centralized location. Future O’Hare Global Terminal At the forefront of O’Hare 21 are plans to build a new O’Hare Global Terminal (OGT), Global Concourse and two new satellite concourses. At 2.25 million square feet, the new OGT, designed by Studio ORD and led by architect Jeanne Gang, will be one of the largest and most cutting-edge terminals in the nation. It will more than double the space of today’s Terminal 2, replacing it with an expanded, light-filled arrivals hall with additional gates; more space for concessions, lounges, and public amenities; state-of-the-art baggage systems; and advanced technologies to improve security screening. Terminal 5 Expansion At approximately 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 expansion will add 10 new gates, plus increase passenger amenity space by 75% and premium lounge space by 70%. This will make way for expanded checkpoints, an upgraded baggage handling system, and give O’Hare International Airport the capacity to serve more travelers safely and comfortably. New security checkpoint at Midway CHICAGO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT A mere 10 miles from downtown, Midway (MDW) is a premier point to-point airport, offering leisure and business travel across the U.S. and Mexico. For those seeking value and convenience, Midway presently offers connections to more than 60 destinations — with airlines continually adjusting operations since the start of the pandemic. Three concourses are filled with a wide variety of open restaurants and shops, along with amenities such as a room for nursing mothers in Concourse C, and a service animal relief room in Concourse A. The Midway Modernization Program (MMP) — the most significant capital program at Midway in nearly 20 years — elevates the travel experience for passengers and is preparing the airport for future growth. New Dynamic Concessions Offerings The concessions expansion project calls for 70 new locations at Midway, increasing the total concessions area from about 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000 square feet. Several new local restaurants and shops have been added throughout the terminals and Central Market, and many more are coming as part of the ongoing MMP redevelopment. Iconic Chicago-area establishments that have locations at Midway include Billy Goat Tavern and Grill, Gene’s Bistro, and Harry Caray’s Shortstop. Security Checkpoint Expansion pedestrian bridge were completed in 2020. The new security pavilion provides new technology and a streamlined single checkpoint area that is seven times wider than the previous security hall. This development, combined with new TSA automated lanes, increases the hourly throughput of passengers from 2,500 to 5,000 per hour — doubling previous capacity while maintaining the highest levels of security. Terminal Garage Enhancements A new 80,000-square-foot security structure and expanded The upgrade to Midway’s terminal-adjacent parking facility brought new elevators, new lighting, and a new revenue control system in 2020. With these improvements, passengers now enjoy cashier-less operations when using the terminal garage. The city will also be positioned to implement a new premium parking system for our frequent fliers.
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2022: Page 21
