Asheville Regional Airport’s fast‑moving terminal modernization program is drawing national attention after Engineering News‑Record (ENR) spotlighted the sweeping transformation underway in western North Carolina. Designed by Gresham Smith, the multi‑year rebuild replaces AVL’s 1960s terminal with a 362,500‑square‑foot facility built for the demands of one of the country’s fastest‑growing airports.
The article underscores how Gresham Smith guided AVL toward a complete rebuild to meet surging passenger demand and larger aircraft. Senior Vice President Brad Sucher explains how the new terminal creates a welcoming gateway to western North Carolina through expanded amenities, larger gate holdrooms and materials inspired by the region’s landscape.
ENR also highlights the project’s intricate phasing strategy. Working closely with AVL and Hensel Phelps, Gresham Smith helped develop a revised sequence that kept the airport’s rooftop legacy control tower operational while construction advanced. With the north concourse now open and the new air traffic control tower commissioned, work is progressing on AVL’s central checkpoint, ticketing and concession areas. The south concourse is expected to open in 2027, completing a program that will double gate capacity and elevate the passenger experience.
Read the article, entitled “Asheville Airport Races To Accommodate Growth With New $400M Terminal,” located here.
