Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois

New Replacement Terminal
Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is a Commercial Service Airport located 90 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The terminal facility is a 24,000-square-foot, two-level terminal which features a 100 passenger holdroom, charter lounge, centralized passenger screening and a modern baggage claim system. The replacement terminal creates a dynamic first impression to the southern Illinois region. RS&H was selected as the Architect for a new replacement terminal that would reflect the community’s image, meet current needs while providing for increased enplanements and future growth. The replacement terminal was constructed on an adjacent site to allow for undisrupted airport operations during the construction process.

The terminal facility features energy efficient heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. The facility benefits from a daylighting controlled lighting system and employ passive features such as natural daylighting and shading. The structures steel frame creates expansive volumes of space within the terminal. The hybrid wood lamella and steel roof system is a custom feature showcased in the large great hall space. The system was chosen for its superior structural properties, renewable bamboo resource, and warm natural aesthetic value. Precast concrete, zinc paneling, and large expanses of glazing cover the exterior of the structure. Light and bright interior finishes reflect the lakes and prairies of the surrounding landscape. Providing a high level of customer convenience was a major goal of the design team. The layout of the terminal has been designed to allow for efficient circulation of passengers and airport operations. Overall, the design and 25-month multi-phase construction process has resulted in a new state-of-the-art aviation facility representative of the local communities it services.