**Chicago Breaks Ground on $1.3 Billion Concourse D at O’Hare Airport**
Construction has officially begun on Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, marking the first major new concourse development at the airport in over three decades. This initiative is part of a transformative $1.3 billion terminal expansion project aimed at modernizing and increasing capacity at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined federal, state, and local officials, along with airline industry leaders, to celebrate the kickoff of construction. “To maintain Chicago’s global leadership in the 21st century, we must continue investing in O’Hare, our region’s most powerful economic engine,” said Mayor Johnson during the event.
The new Concourse D will add 19 gates designed primarily for narrow-body aircraft, with 18 of those gates offering the ability to convert into nine gates suitable for larger, wide-body planes. In addition to the new gate infrastructure, the concourse will include over 20,000 square feet of lounge space, 30,000 square feet of retail and dining areas, and a dedicated 450-square-foot children’s play zone.
The design and construction team for the concourse includes the Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, working in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and global engineering and design consultancy Arup.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in O’Hare’s long-term development plan and represents a substantial investment in the infrastructure and future of air travel through the city of Chicago.
