As domestic air travel continues its rapid growth post-pandemic, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) identified a need to renovate and expand its existing buildings and associated infrastructure to accommodate current and future growth. As a popular travel destination, airport leadership realized the need to maintain a high level of customer service while also showcasing the local community and greater region. Gresham Smith is helping realize this vision by expanding and modernizing the existing building’s 12 gate concourses into an 18 gate terminal building, developing a design solution that will improve the airport and act as a modern gateway for visitors and locals alike when complete in 2025.

Client

Horry County Department of Airports (Myrtle Beach International Airport)

Location

Myrtle Beach, SC

Project Type

Aviation

50k

square feet

6

jetbridge gates

230+

new wayfinding elements

Designing for the Vision

Since its opening in 1996, MYR has undergone a series of renovations and expansions. To keep pace with passenger volumes, the airport placed priority on implementing its 20-year master plan. To create additional space, we’re adding an expansion to the end of Concourse A to accommodate six new gates, with potential for a seventh gate. The expansion will also include new restroom facilities, concessions and holdroom areas, as well as back of house functions at the ramp level.

As part of this project, the existing terminal will receive several functional improvements, including updates to the wayfinding system and restrooms, and the addition of powered seating, countertop charging tables and a variety of lounge furniture in the holdrooms.  Additional IT accommodations will be provided for future growth and flexibility.

After
Before

Multiplying Amenities

Creating a destination at the end of Concourse A, passengers will find spacious hold rooms with panoramic views of the airfield while they await their plane. The combination of high ceilings and double-height curtainwall draws attention to a central seating area with clerestory windows to bring in additional natural light. To accommodate a predominantly glass façade, electrochromic glazing was implemented to help protect the space from glare and heat throughout the day. The seating area will feature custom planters with integrated seating, offering passengers a place to relax before boarding their flight.

The expansion will also include larger restrooms, conveniently situated near new retail, food, and beverage concessions. The premium design will serve as a model for future restroom renovations throughout the terminal for this project and future upgrades.

Revitalizing the Aesthetic

On the exterior, the expansion is designed to complement the airport’s existing exterior aesthetic. Inside, the design creates a fresh, timeless look by introducing modern, durable finishes throughout the entire terminal, including terrazzo throughout the main circulation areas and glass wall cladding around the restrooms. The central planters will house a combination of live plants and preserved palms to bring the feel of South Carolina’s natural environment into the space. The newly extended Concourse A will also feature the fresh finishes, as well updated holdroom seating. The Gresham Smith team is also updating the major public wayfinding elements, including directional signage and flight information displays, throughout the entire terminal.

A Data-Driven Design

Throughout the project, the design team is incorporating relevant data-driven design strategies. For example, our team utilized a tool to conduct site analyses and natural lighting studies early in the design process to better understand how daylight would interact with the expansion’s western-facing façade. After modeling various conditions, we decided to incorporate overhangs and electrochromic glazing to create the best experience.

Additionally, early in the project the team studied peak hours at the airport and identified undersized holdrooms as a key focus for improvement. Both the new holdrooms in the expansion and the reconfigured seating in the existing concourses were designed to meet the airport’s current and future needs.

Project Contact

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Brad Sucher, AIA
Brad Sucher, AIA
Senior Architect