Q3 2024

View as Webpage

East Security Checkpoint Update

The Great Hall Program hit an important milestone in August, reaching the 50% completion mark for the new East Security Checkpoint. This will be the second new state-of-the-art security checkpoint on Level 6 and will provide another 17 screening lanes. The East Security Checkpoint is scheduled to open in Q3 2025.


Over the last few months, crews added more than 20,000 square feet between two deck extensions, constructed a new bridge connecting the East and West Security Checkpoints and made significant headway on the East Security Checkpoint. Once completed, the East Security Checkpoint will mirror the West Security Checkpoint, which opened earlier this year.


Keep reading to learn more about the progress made this quarter; there is so much to look at!

Ceiling and Flooring Upgrades

One of the most visible changes we are making in the Terminal is replacing the 25-year old tile. While it took some time to demolish the existing flooring, crews are now well on their way to laying the shiny new tile throughout the new East Security Checkpoint as well as on the north end of the Terminal on Level 5.


In addition to the floors, new ceiling tiles are being installed to complement the new flooring and brighten up the Terminal spaces!

New flooring and ceiling tile is being installed throughout the northern portion of the Terminal.

New North End Bridge

Last quarter, we discussed the new deck extensions that were constructed to increase the square footage of the east side of Level 6 as part of the East Security Checkpoint construction. Additionally, a new bridge has been built connecting the East and West Security Checkpoints and eventually providing screened passengers stairs and an escalator to access the train to the gates.

Level 6, new north end bridge connecting East and West Security

Elevator and Escalator Construction

Work is also underway to construct two new elevators at the West Security Checkpoint that will take screened passengers from Level 6 to Level 4 for access to the train to the gates. These elevators will open once the East Security Checkpoint opens in Q3 2025. Two additional elevators will be constructed at the East Security Checkpoint but will open in Q1 2026. The additional elevators will ensure that those with mobility needs have convenient and accessible options.


Additional escalators are also under construction. One is at the new north end bridge (mentioned above) and the second will take arriving passengers using A-Bridge from Level 6 to Level 5 for easy access to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Early construction activities for the new west side elevators

Looking Ahead


As you can see, tremendous progress has been made over the last few months with more critical milestones approaching soon. Crews will continue to work on the finishes throughout the new East Security Checkpoint and will have the space ready to begin receiving and testing the new screening equipment in early 2025. Check back next quarter to see the continued progress as we get closer to opening the new checkpoint in less than a year.

Baggage Claim Refresh Update

As DEN continues renovations throughout the Jeppesen Terminal, it was time to give our baggage claim areas some TLC! Earlier this year, crews embarked on the renovation of the Level 5 baggage claim areas. The improvements include new carpet around the carousels as well as new wall panels and lighting that will bring a brand-new feel to passengers waiting for their luggage.


Crews started their work around baggage claims 4 and 5 on the east side and 15 and 16 on the west side of Level 5, mid-Terminal. In six short months, the baggage claim spaces were renovated, creating a more modern look and feel that matches that of the newly completed spaces in the Terminal.


Similar to the rest of the Great Hall renovations, DEN is committed to completing work while minimizing impacts to passengers and operations. As a result, work will progress in small phases until the work is complete in late 2026. Currently, the same renovations are underway around baggage claims 5 and 6 on the east side and at baggage claims 14 and 15 on the west side, mid-Terminal. These two areas are anticipated to be complete early next year.


Take a look at the photo reel below to see how construction of the first baggage claims progressed.

Photo 1: Construction walls being installed around baggage claims pre-construction; Photo 2: Construction walls and baggage claim protection installed; Photo 3: New wall panel installation; Photo 4: Flooring preparation for carpet installation and new ceiling completion; Photo 5: Completed area around baggage claim 16 on the west side of Level 5

"Experimental Aviation" Public Art Returns

Denver International Airport (DEN) is home to one of the largest airport public art collections in the world. This collection boasts a variety of sculptures, murals, installations, and Colorado-inspired rotating creative and cultural exhibits. With the ongoing Great Hall construction, it's exciting to see artwork like Patty Ortiz’s “Experimental Aviation” installation being returned, showcasing the significant progress in the terminal’s construction project.

Article Heading

The mastermind behind “Experimental Aviation,” Patty Ortiz, has exhibited her work throughout the United States and internationally. She is a visual artist who has served as a museum director in the nonprofit sector and is an active participant on the boards of several art organizations.

Text Link

DEN is home to the 140 steel “paper airplanes” that make up this playful display since 1995. These 140 steel planes are suspended from the ceiling, spanning from the Level 4 arrivals platform and bringing passengers up the escalators to the Level 5 meet-and-greet area. These lively airplanes have greeted arriving passengers since the airport opened, and we are thrilled to reinstall a portion of this iconic artwork in its home at the center of the Jeppesen Terminal.


The Great Hall Program successfully reinstalled the artwork on the west side of Level 5 in August and will install the remaining planes throughout the east side and Level 4 in Q1 2025.

"Experimental Aviation" has returned on the west side of Level 5 in the meet-and-greet area

Employee Spotlight: Adam Tinucci

Adam Tinucci, Sky Blue Builders' (SBB) project superintendent, oversees the field operations for the Level 4 Hotel and Transit Center (HTC) Buildout, which includes DEN’s Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) – a training center that will help create a pipeline of aviation talent.


After graduating in 2020 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University — one of the highest-regarded engineering schools in the country — SBB saw Adam’s potential and offered him a job.


The Littleton native embraced his opportunity at SBB and dove into work at DEN in the summer 2020. This marks the entirety of his professional journey, which has been dedicated to the Great Hall Program. His innovative outlook, passion and forward-looking mindset have led to ongoing growth and invaluable contributions acknowledged by his colleagues at DEN.


In collaboration with Hensel Phelps (HP), the prime contractor for the Great Hall Program, Adam learned their systems and processes through a two-year staff augmentation program, while also contributing to SBB projects at the beginning of his professional career. As he became more familiar with and solidified his role on the Great Hall Program, Adam eventually managed the buildout of the new curbside escalators on both sides of the terminal near the United and Southwest Airlines check-in areas.


All of Adam’s hard work has led to his current role as SBB project superintendent, overseeing the CEEA field operations. Each day, Adam works with subcontractors, ownership teams, design teams and controlling parties to ensure progress, address issues and maintain the schedule.


“Working on the CEEA project is an amazing opportunity that allows me to contribute to building a future for career pathways in aviation, directly impacting those who don’t typically have the same opportunities to enter this industry,” Adam said. “CEEA is a socially responsible addition to the Great Hall Program, positively creating a more equitable future for various stakeholders in the aviation industry.”


Adam’s advice to individuals aiming to advance their construction careers is to prioritize education, pursue new training opportunities and maintain a strong work ethic. When Adam is not excelling with SBB and DEN, he seizes every opportunity to travel to new destinations, immersing himself in diverse cultures alongside his girlfriend. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s skiing, hiking or camping — a genuine Coloradan through and through. 

Photos of the Quarter

Photo 1: Level 6 East Security Checkpoint flooring progress; Photo 2: Future East Security 3 for TSA PreCheck and Clear with TSA PreCheck; Photo 3: New Level 6 corridor to Bridge Security recently opened on the newly completed deck extension; Photo 4: Baggage claim refresh completion on west side of Level 5 at baggage claim 16

September Project Dashboard

DEN-GreatHall-Newsletter-Check_150.png


Sign up for the Great Hall Project newsletters by visiting our project page!

DEN_LOGO_VIOLET_rgb.png

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

8500 Peña Blvd., 8500 Peña Blvd.,

Denver, CO 80247

Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  YouTube