Kansas City officials have debated the future of Kansas City International Airport for years, but there's another proposal on the table that could change the conversation.
Crawford Architects submitted a $335.6 million renovation plan to the Kansas City Council in December after council member Teresa Loar called for an alternative to proposed one-terminal plans. Cost estimates for those projects are just shy of $1 billion.
Crawford Architects founding member Stacey Jones says his firm's plan calls for renovating Terminal A, which isn't currently in use. That would allow KCI's other terminals to stay in use while updates are made.
"I'll always look to a good renovation plan [over a replacement plan] first," Jones said. "We've got a community that can ill-afford a $1 billion investment, and nor should it be asked to make that when a more economical approach is offered."
Crawford's plan calls for widening Terminal A from 60 feet to 120 feet long, as well as adding parking spaces to accommodate 5,200 cars. The design would put three baggage claims, concession areas and two security checkpoints into the terminal.
If the plan is adopted and expanded for KCI's other two terminals, the total cost would remain similar to other proposals. Jones believes this new plan appeals to new Kansas City Council members, some of whom have shown skepticism of single-terminal plans.
"They're looking for a political way forward," Jones said. "The community recognizes that we do indeed need to renovate our airport and get it up to standard, but the rush to a [$1 billion] investment is a rush to a conclusion that we don't need to make."
Jones says Crawford brought in architects, engineers and contractors from London, Australia, Dallas and the Kansas City metro itself to make sure designs were feasible.
Assistant City Manager Pat Klein says the plan has been passed along to the city's airline consultants to determine whether cost estimates are accurate, and if the plan meets modern airport needs.
"Making sure there's enough square footage for ticketing, security areas, concession areas and parking," Klein said. "They'll also verify the numbers that are in the plan to make sure nothing is missing."
One potential issue is the amount of parking spaces allotted by the Crawford plan. The city says it needs 6,500 spots for travelers. Jones says that can easily be done for another $20 million.
Klein says he expects word back from consultants later this month. The Kansas City Council hopes to have KCI recommendations by May to send to voters.
Cody Newill is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter @CodyNewill or send him an email at cody@kcur.org.
