In recent years, the City of Springfield, Missouri has heightened its focus on "quality of place" initiatives in the metro area, with the goal of improved talent attraction and retention as well as economic development. With that came the recognition that the General Aviation Terminal, or FBO in airport lingo, is the literal front door to the community for many important visitors, politicians, and dignitaries that travel via private planes in lieu of commercial airlines. It is the first impression of the community for many, and since its construction in 1991, the FBO was showing its age and had fallen behind other peer facilities. It lacked appropriate amenities for visitors and pilots, as well as a strong identity among its neighboring hangars.
In 2021, Dake Wells Architecture was selected to lead the design of a renovation and addition to the existing facility. This project completely transforms the FBO with improved pilot's lounge, line service headquarters, administrative offices, private gender-neutral restrooms, business conference room, and a large public meeting room with panoramic views of the runway. With a bold form recalling folded airplanes from one's childhood, the 9,000 SF facility features a faceted metal and glass addition around the existing precast concrete box, which transforms the once dark interiors into one flooded with daylight and views. To maintain the required 24/7/365 operations, construction was phased, maintaining services and security for the community.
The project is targeting LEED Silver Certification.
