Chicago, Ill.

Chicago O’Hare Multi-Modal Facility

Client: Chicago Department of Aviation
Our Role: Lead Engineer, Architect & Designer

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world, required a modern, centralized facility to streamline airport access and enhance multimodal connectivity. The existing rental car facilities and transit connections were spread across various locations, creating inefficiencies, congestion, and unnecessary delays for travelers.

With the O’Hare 21 modernization plan underway, the airport needed a facility that would integrate various modes of transportation, reduce central terminal traffic, and provide a world-class experience for passengers, all while maintaining ongoing airport operations. The challenge was to design and deliver a large-scale, technologically advanced, and sustainable transportation hub that would serve as a model for airports nationwide.

Our team led the engineering, architectural, and design efforts for the Chicago O’Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), a 2.5 million-square-foot, $398 million transportation hub that consolidates rental car services, enhances public transit access, and improves passenger convenience.

The MMF centralizes rental car operations for 11 companies into a single facility, eliminating the need for more than 1,000 daily rental car shuttle trips and significantly reducing traffic congestion and emissions. The project also includes a new Airport Transit System (ATS) station, providing direct rail connections between the MMF and O’Hare terminals, as well as a Metra station link that enhances regional rail accessibility.

Designed with future expansion in mind, the structure supports an additional four parking levels, allowing for an eventual capacity of over 5,000 additional parking stalls. The building’s LEED Silver certification and Parksmart Silver designation underscore its commitment to sustainability, integrating natural ventilation, energy-efficient systems, and stormwater management solutions.

Key Features

Integrated Multimodal Connectivity: The facility links air, rail, bus, and rental car operations, improving efficiency and passenger convenience.
Enhanced Airport Transit System (ATS): A newly extended ATS guideway and station inside the MMF reduce roadway congestion and provide seamless access to airport terminals.
Sustainable & Future-Ready Design: The facility features a green roof, stormwater detention ponds, daylight-optimized architecture, and EV charging stations for 24 vehicles.
Quick Turnaround (QTA) Facility: The multi-level QTA houses five car wash bays, 24 fueling positions, and eight maintenance bays per floor, ensuring efficient vehicle servicing.
State-of-the-Art Structural Innovations: The facility incorporates a precast concrete structure system, cantilevered high-strength concrete columns, and an advanced lateral support system to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline construction.
Enhanced Passenger Amenities: Public parking, two mothers’ rooms, a pet relief area, retail concessions, and a luggage concierge service create a seamless and comfortable experience for travelers.

Outcomes

Reduced Traffic Congestion: By eliminating rental car shuttle buses from terminal roadways, the project improves traffic flow, air quality, and airport accessibility.
Economic Growth & Inclusion: The project supported 93 disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) firms and achieved an impressive 36% DBE participation rate, reinforcing Chicago’s commitment to equity in the engineering and construction industries.
Sustainable & Cost-Effective Construction: Delivered on time and on budget, the MMF maximized cost efficiency through innovative structural and construction techniques, saving time and resources while maintaining high-quality standards.
Enhanced Airport Efficiency: The MMF enables the ongoing O’Hare 21 terminal expansion and facilitates long-term airport growth by improving passenger flow and operational flexibility.
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), 2018, Project of the Year.
American Institute of Architects (AIA), 2023, AIA Design Excellence Awards Citations of Merit Recipient.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC-IL), 2024, Engineering Excellence Awards Honor Award Winner – Multi-Modal Facility.