DEN Resumes Construction of the Great Hall Project
With the Phase I general contractor, Hensel Phelps, officially under contract, DEN has resumed construction of the Great Hall Project. The primary focus of the project is to enhance safety and security by moving the security screening checkpoints up one level to Level 6 and implementing new screening technology that will make the process more efficient. To do this, the project must consolidate airline ticket counters and will make other passenger-focused improvements.
Hensel Phelps is resuming work on Phase I of the project and will complete the work in the center third of the Terminal, including:
- Completing demolition in that area
- Constructing new airline ticket counters Level 6 of that zone
- Widening the balconies for the future Level 6 TSA checkpoints
- Adding two new restrooms
- Upgrading the existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure
To kick-off the work, crews will mainly be working in the overnight hours, from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. During this time there will be delivery of materials and cranes, which may result in minor traffic impacts on Level 4 east side passenger pick-up between doors 407 and 411.
Additionally, passengers will begin seeing higher construction walls on the north and south bridges in order to enhance safety. These construction walls will have windows so passengers can view the construction as it progresses. New construction walls on the arrival platform for the train to the gates will also be installed. As demolition activities resume, passengers can expect some noise. Noise levels will be monitored to ensure no disruptions to airport operations.
The Hensel Phelps contract for this phase is $195 million and, at this time, DEN estimates it will be completed by late 2021. However, the COVID-19 situation is evolving quickly and we will continue to analyze our projects and programs to ensure that DEN remains financially healthy.
We will continue to provide updates about the project in the coming months.
Who is Hensel Phelps?
Now that construction has resumed, you may be asking, who is the general contractor conducting the work and what experience do they have? DEN is delighted to be partnering with local contractor Hensel Phelps on this critical project for airport. Hensel Phelps has 80 years of experience and has successfully executed many large-scale public projects, including airports.
Hensel Phelps is a Greeley-based company founded in 1937 by Abel Hensel Phelps. At the time, the company focused on residential building and remodeling, but by 1945, Hensel Phelps built its first commercial project, wood grain silos. In 1964, the company expanded its work into the aviation industry by constructing the first phase of the terminal building at Stapleton International Airport. It was the first of many jobs Hensel Phelps completed for Stapleton International Airport.
Hensel Phelps’ aviation experience continued to grow over the years to include multiple projects at LAX including the redevelopment of Terminals 2 and 7. They also worked on the Dallas Love Field Modernization project as well as multiple projects at DEN including baggage modification, the Concourse B regional jet facility and the current central utility plant replacement project.
Hensel Phelps is a responsible firm, who believes in mentoring and has mentored Sky Blue Builders since 2012. In 2016, Hensel Phelps and Sky Blue entered into a Mentor Protégé Agreement through the City’s Mentor Protégé Pilot Program, which continues to this day. Hensel Phelps has been collaborating with Sky Blue consistently on everything from business strategy, to systems and processes. Hensel Phelps has helped Sky Blue grow, by providing guidance and support, and opportunities to expand their experience and client portfolio.
DEN Makes Final Contract Termination Payment for Great Hall Project
Following termination, DEN was obligated to reimburse Great Hall Partners for its equity investment, work done to date and work performed during the transition of the project to DEN. Paying these types of transition and contract breakage costs are typical when a construction contract is terminated for convenience and the Development Agreement between DEN and Great Hall Partners required these payments. DEN did not pay any termination penalties.
This $55.5 million also settles the $290 million in claims filed by Great Hall Partners. This amount is in addition to the $128.1 million previously paid by DEN to Great Hall Partners announced in December 2019.
DEN has reimbursed Great Hall Partners a total of $183.6 million, which is within the range of $170 million to $210 million DEN announced following termination. All obligations and disputes (financial and otherwise) with the former developer are now resolved.
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