Philadelphia International Airport's (PHL) Restroom Renovation Program is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to modernize all of the airport’s passenger-facing restrooms and add new ancillary spaces. In line with PHL’s strategic plan, this project will have a big impact as it aims to transform the guest (and employee) experience, optimize infrastructure, and build for the future. In addition to its significant impact and complexity, this project is noteworthy for the prevalence of Capital Development women engineers and designers.
With 51 unique floor plans, multiple contractors, and the integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, this is one of the Division of Aviation’s most complex programs. Julie Coyle, Engineering Project Manager, Design and Construction, is preparing to begin Phase 4 construction of the Restroom Renovation program. This $15.5 million project covers 5 restroom sets in terminal A West, the B/C food court, and adjacent to the B/C security exits.
Coyle is a Project and Construction Manager at HNTB. She received her degree in Architectural Engineering from Drexel University and has been consulting on site with the Division of Aviation since December 2015. Coyle is quick to acknowledge her colleagues on the project. “We all take pride in Restroom Renovation projects and what the final product is when it's opened to the public.” Her team includes Sarina Stoor, Resident Engineer, Arora Engineers; Anmarie Rose, Project Scheduler, JBC Associates; and Ernie Van Sant, Project Inspector, JBC Associates.
Ruth Krieger is the design lead with HDR for Restroom Renovation phases 5 through 9, which just completed the 60
percent design review stage under the project management of the Division of Aviation's Kent Lessly. These five phases will update 32 restroom sets and add two new ones. Krieger is an Associate Vice President at HDR. She received her master's degree in Architecture from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture.
“Our team believes that airport restroom design is critically important not only to those who use them but also to those who maintain the facilities,” says Ruth. “Restrooms are often the first place arriving passengers visit and their last stop before departing.”
Two of the five subconsultants for phases 5 through 9 are certified, women-owned businesses: cost estimators, Connico, and structural engineering firm, Hunt Engineering Company.
All phases of the project are overseen by Api Appulingam, the Division of Aviation's Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development. Appulingam is pleased to acknowledge the professionals who are leading this project. “I’m very lucky to work with a team of professionals that understands what it takes to execute large and involved projects like this one," she said. "Our project team integrated new technology in the Restroom Renovation program, like touchless technology, automation and dedicated space for nursing mothers, features that I know our traveling public will enjoy!”
The Division of Aviation held an outreach event for prospective construction contractors interested in becoming part of airport's Restroom Renovation project team on March 10. Click here for more information.
