YP PM/CM Track Blog | AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium

Midway International’s Modernization Program was the airport’s most extensive upgrade in 20 years. Breaking ground in October 2017, the LEED-certified 80,000-square-foot expansion and upgrade project contributed three new bridges to connect arrivals, departures, and baggage claim areas to the terminal. In addition, the widening of a 50-foot existing pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue to 400 feet accommodates an expanded and centrally located TSA security checkpoint and concessions spaces. A durable, low-maintenance, and seamless epoxy terrazzo floor was a vital component of the $80 million program.

“The ease of maintenance is always a luxury that terrazzo brings to buildings looking to combine the best qualities of form and function,” said Steve Menconi, president since 1974 of Menconi Terrazzo in Bensenville, IL, the contractor who installed the floor. “A clean and polished floor is also very satisfying to maintenance and housekeeping crews,” he added, noting that terrazzo was the choice of flooring at Midway throughout heavy traffic areas, and that no other flooring options were considered. The architects on the project were Muller & Muller of Chicago.

The achievement of integrated cove was challenging for the terrazzo artisans, with gratifying results, Mr. Menconi said. Four-foot-high round or oval columns with integrated cove base distinguishes this installation. Seamlessly clad to the wood and steel structures, the 20 poured-in-place epoxy columns and the accompanying cove base display well-executed, smooth vertical work. Both poured-in-place and precast base, straight and cove, were used. Ground perfectly flat, the floors flow seamlessly into the coves at the columns. The four epoxy colors were formulated to complement the existing color scheme.

The Luxury of Easy Maintenance: Terrazzo Installed at Chicago Midway International Expansion