5 things to know about the finished Terminal 5 expansion at O'Hare
In 1993, O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 5 opened to fanfare with the capacity to handle 61 million passengers traveling to 30 global destinations.
By 2019, the facility was cramming in 83 million flyers jetting off to 73 international cities, Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said at a Tuesday event marking the completion of a massive redo.
"This $1.3 billion expansion and renovation project has brought this once state-of-the-art building back to its original glory," Rhee said. "The light-filled redesign of Terminal 5 maintains the integrity of the 1993 original while modernizing it for this century."
She touted "increased passenger amenities, a more efficient baggage handling system, and expanded security checkpoints and customs facilities."
Here are five things to know about the improved structure:
• Passengers will have lots more space to roam around. The building was expanded by 350,000 square feet, with an existing 750,000 square feet undergoing renovations.
• A new L-shaped East concourse offers 10 new widebody gates. Nine have flexible ramp systems that can accommodate widebody aircraft as well as conventional jets.
• Art installations beautify the interior of the terminal as part of a $3.5 million partnership between the CDA and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
• New food concessions will continue opening in 2023 with a focus on diversity. Eateries include Butcher and the Burger, Hampton Social, Bar Siena and Sparrow Coffee.
• A six-story parking garage is being constructed and will open in 2024. The garage will offer short- and long-term parking options and electric vehicle charging stations.