Q4 2024

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As in previous years, 2024 was another successful year for the Great Hall Program. Not only was another phase of the project completed, but we also made substantial progress on the second new (East) security checkpoint and the surrounding area in the Jeppesen Terminal.

Take a look at everything we accomplished this year!

• Completed Phase 2 of the Great Hall Program ahead of schedule and under budget.
• Opened the West Security Checkpoint on Feb. 5, the first of two new state-of-the-art security checkpoints on Level 6 with 17 screening lanes using the latest technology.
• In August, we reached the 50% completion mark for the East Security Checkpoint.
• Completed the upper level deck extensions to expand the footprint of Level 6 and finished construction of the new bridge connecting the East and West Security Checkpoints.
• Not only was this a critical piece of infrastructure to support future elevators and escalators, but it also marked the project’s “topping out,” the first contractual milestone for structural steel met ahead of schedule.
• Reinstalled two DEN art pieces.
• “Experimental Aviation” on the west side of Level 5.
• Installed 70 of the 140 airplanes suspended from the ceiling in the center of the terminal on Level 5 that greet travelers as they arrive in Jeppesen Terminal from the train platform.
• The planes, reminiscent of playful, brightly colored paper airplanes, direct people up the escalators and out into the open space of the terminal’s Great Hall.
• “Balustrade” on Level 6 within the West Security Checkpoint.
• Installed on Level 6 at the new West Security Checkpoint.
• Constructed of 28 hand-thrown ceramic vases, this art piece forms a colorful frame for the Great Hall below on Level 5.
• Completed the first phase of the Baggage Refresh Project and began construction on the second phase.
• In August, completed work on Level 5 around baggage claims #4 and #5 on the east side and #15 and #16 on the west side.
• These baggage claim spaces received a full restoration, bringing the look and feel of these outdated areas up to speed with the many other renovations taking place at DEN.
• Began work on the second phase of spaces around baggage claims #5 and #6 on the east side and baggage claims #14 and #15 on the west side of Level 5.
• These two areas are anticipated to be done early next year, marking the completion of the center baggage claim spaces on Level 5.
• Started major construction activities for the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) on Level 4 of the Hotel and Transit Center.

Photo 1: Completed West Security Checkpoint; Photo 2: Constructed new bridge connecting West and East Security Checkpoints; Photo 3: Completed Phase 1 of Baggage Claim Refresh; Photo 4: Started major construction activities for the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA); Photo 5: Installed “Balustrade” on Level 6 within the West Security Checkpoint; Photo 6: Installed "Experimental Aviation” on the west side of Level 5

Along with the construction of the East Security Checkpoint, crews are also building the necessary infrastructure to help move passengers between Levels 5 and 6. This includes two new escalators and a set of stairs on the north end that will take arriving passengers who have walked across A-Bridge from Level 6 down to Level 5 for access to baggage claim and ground transportation.

These two new escalators were installed earlier this month in two pieces, with the heaviest piece weighing 7,800 pounds and measuring 20 feet long.

Take a look at the installation process:

Photo 1: Steel framing of staircase prior to escalator installation; Photo 2: West escalator mid-way through installation; Photo 3: East escalator installation completed; Photo 4: Completed placement of both escalators

On Monday, Dec. 16, DEN held a ceremony to dedicate its Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation’s (CEEA) Hall of Equity to Bessie Smith and Ed Dwight, two trailblazing aviators.

CEEA will occupy roughly 38,000 square feet of space on Level 4 of the Hotel and Transit Center (under the Westin Hotel) once complete. The focal point of the center is the Hall of Equity, which will accommodate approximately 300 people for dynamic training and educational purposes. Other adjacent lecture halls and training rooms will accommodate another 200 to 300 people. A pre-function and lobby space will also have a small café for networking and small group meetings. 

Born in 1933, Ed Dwight was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force who served as a flight instructor and combat pilot during the Korean War. He was selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to be the first African American candidate for NASA's early astronaut program. Ultimately, he was not selected and faced continued barriers to advancement in aviation because of his race. In fact, it took NASA more than 20 years before an African American astronaut was finally permitted to go to space. After Dwight left the military, he was an engineer, private pilot, developer, restaurateur and a renowned sculptural artist. His love of aviation never waned over that time, and at age 90, he joined the crew that ventured into space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space capsule.

“I am very honored to receive this recognition,” Ed Dwight said. “Aviation has been my lifelong passion. As a former Air Force Test Pilot and America's first Black astronaut candidate, I can say that the Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) and the capabilities it holds for Denver, Colo., and the nation shows good truly does lead the way!”

DEN CEO Phil Washington, Ed Dwight, Jacqueline Withers, Gigi Coleman (Bessie Coleman's great niece) and Mayor Mike Johnston

Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman pilot to earn an international pilot’s license. She was also the first Native American woman to pilot a plane. Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, she faced challenges getting admitted into flight school in the United States, so she learned French and traveled to Paris to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot and opening a flight training school. Her goal was to encourage women and people of color to reach their dreams – and this became her legacy. Though her life and career were cut short in a tragic plane crash in 1926, her life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world.

“As Bessie Coleman’s great niece, I am deeply honored to see her legacy celebrated in such a profound way. My great aunt believed in breaking boundaries, embracing diversity and inspiring future generations to reach new heights,” Gigi Coleman said. “This space stands as a tribute not only to her remarkable achievements but also to the countless individuals who dream of transforming the impossible into reality. I hope every traveler passing through this Hall of Equity feels empowered to carry her spirit forward – bold, resilient and unyielding in the pursuit of their own dreams.”

CEEA is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Programming has been underway for the last year and includes a Business Development Training Academy, research and innovation programming, as well as mentorship, internship and leadership development (career pathway) programs, all of which are focused on creating an aviation talent pipeline for the country and Rocky Mountain region.

Learn more about CEEA.

From exploring Denver International Airport (DEN) as a child when it opened in 1995 to now serving as the project manager for the MOD 1 East section of the Great Hall Program’s Completion Phase, Jordan Kragor’s full-circle journey is nothing short of remarkable. As a Colorado native, Kragor has followed the large-scale project since it began in March 2020. In 2022, he officially joined the Great Hall team, fulfilling his dream of contributing to the revitalization of his home airport. In his current role, his primary focus is constructing the new East Security Checkpoint on Level 6 as well as the corresponding improvements below on Level 5. The new East Security Checkpoint will open in Q3 2025.

Kragor’s passion for the construction industry began early. His first job as a construction laborer sparked his determination to build a career in this field. After graduating from the University of Denver with a degree in Construction Management, he honed his skills working for a local home builder before joining Hensel Phelps (HP). At HP, Kragor has worked on many projects, including an expansion project for an aerospace manufacturing facility, which prepared him for his role on the Great Hall Program.

Being the general contractor for the Great Hall Program, HP not only provided him the opportunity to get his foot in the door to the commercial sector, but it also gave him the chance to make a positive impact on a place that is incredibly special to him. Now, Kragor is excelling in his position and enjoying every step of the way.

“Working in a dynamic environment and collaborating with such a talented team, along with my personal connection to this airport, fuels my enthusiasm,” Kragor said. “It is rewarding to know our hard work will contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for millions of passengers, especially with the addition of the new East Security Checkpoint.”

To succeed in this field, Kragor advises individuals to build strong relationships early, be adaptable, take on challenges and stay focused on professional growth. Outside work, he values quality time with his wife, three kids and Labrador retriever. As a fan of the outdoors, Kragor also enjoys football, bird hunting, skiing and running. 

American Industrial and Construction Supply (AICS) was founded in 1989 by Michael LeDoux alongside his parents as a family-owned, small business eager to break into the Denver construction market. In the early 1990s, a few major projects garnered the attention of the construction industry in Denver: The Colorado Convention Center, the build-out of Denver International Airport (DEN) to replace Stapleton International Airport and the Downtown Aquarium. Thrilled by the prospect of these substantial projects, Michael and his family jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back since! In fact, the company’s founding vision was to join projects that would shape the future of the great city of Denver, and that is exactly what they accomplished.

At its peak, AICS had 11 employees. After the pandemic, they went back to their roots, kept it in the family and now operate successfully with five employees. If you need it, they have it: tools, fasteners, lumber, electrical supplies and roofing materials, to name a few.

From the beginning, AICS has developed a strong relationship with Hensel Phelps, collaborating on many iconic projects, such as the completion of the Colorado Convention Center in 1990. This relationship has since blossomed into their present-day work on the Great Hall Project at DEN. Since Phase 1 of the project, AICS has played an integral role, which continues to grow as they work with more and more subcontractors on the project who need their services. 

American Industrial and Construction Supply (AICS) Owners Michelle, Dave, Michael, Veronica, Vinnie and Doug (warehouse manager)

One of Michael’s favorite things about his job is the relationships. “Working on projects goes beyond just delivering supplies; it involves building friendships and making meaningful connections with the folks actually doing the work,” Michael said. “We can spend years on the same project together with some of these companies, and it’s a wonderful feeling to have personal memories and personal experiences to carry with us forever.”

Their work doesn’t stop at the office. Michael and his family are also very involved with local organizations, such as the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC), of which AICS was one of their founding members. AICS has also won many prestigious awards over their 35 years. They were named the Hispanic Chamber Firm of the Year in 1993 and 1996, and in 2007, they were recognized as Supplier of the Year. As a family with deep roots in the City of Denver, it remains important to AICS to stay involved.

As a Disadvantaged, Minority and Small Business Enterprise (DBE, MBE and SBE), Michael and his family feel very fortunate to have worked together as a family for more than 35 years and stand by their company motto, “We are big enough to serve you but small enough to know you.”

Over the years, Michael has accumulated many pieces of advice for anyone in the M/WBE, DBE and SBE community.

“In order to be involved, you must get involved! When you think about skipping out on that event or that outreach meeting, it could be the difference between meeting your next client or hearing about the next big project,” Michael said. “We have met countless good people who are willing to help you and give you a shot at using your business, so dive in and be a participant. It really works!” 

Photo 1: Anbacher Hall demolition; Photo 2: Baggage Claim Refresh lighting and ceiling installation progress; Photo 3: Center Atrium escalator installation and staircase progress; Photo 4: East Security Checkpoint tile installation progress; Photo 5: East Security Checkpoint tile and lighting installation; Photo 6: East Security Checkpoint queueing lane installation; Photo 7: West Security Checkpoint elevator progress

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

8500 Peña Blvd., 8500 Peña Blvd.,

Denver, CO 80247