July 2022
LaGuardia Terminal B wins award for construction creativity and innovation
New York, NY - LaGuardia Airport Terminal B has won the National Academy of Construction’s inaugural Recognition of Special Achievement Award, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and vision behind the construction of a world-class airport terminal.
“The National Academy of Construction’s Recognition of Special Achievement Award represents what can happen when we think big and build our infrastructure with an overall vision and a master plan. Six years ago, when we broke ground on a new LaGuardia Airport, few believed that LaGuardia would be reborn as world-class. But here we are, accepting another major award for a world-class terminal in a world-class airport. We have truly gone from worst to best with a whole New LaGuardia Airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
“The redevelopment of the LaGuardia Terminal B is truly remarkable. Its impact will last for generations. As the initial recipient of this award, the Terminal B project and all involved are to be applauded for the overwhelming efforts in making both aviation and construction history,” said National Academy of Construction President and CEO Wayne Crew.
Development of Terminal B is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority and LaGuardia Gateway Partners. Walsh Construction and joint venture partner Skanska USA led construction of the $4 billion terminal. The new Terminal B includes a four-story, light-filled arrivals and departures hall with floor-to-ceiling windows, iconic public art, state-of-the-art technology and world-class amenities. It is the only airport terminal in the United States with dual skybridges, which link the arrivals and departures hall with two island concourses.
The award recognizes LaGuardia Terminal B for the creativity, innovation, and vision throughout the construction process. These were reflected in the ability to maintain full flight operations throughout construction; sustainability practices both during construction and in the ongoing operation of the terminal, including LEED Gold certification; historic community benefits, including more than $2 billion in contracts to minority- and women-owned business enterprises and $850 million in contracts to local Queens-based businesses; and hundreds of permanent jobs for local residents.
This is the latest significant award for LaGuardia Terminal B. In December 2021, UNESCO announced that Terminal B was selected for the prestigious Prix Versailles as the best new airport in the world for 2021.