Southwest Airlines General Use Building (GUB) & Cargo Facility

Client

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

In spring 2023 ESCO broke ground on the Southwest Airlines General Use Building (GUB) and new Cargo Facility sites at Denver International Airport. The combined 17-acre site would include two new buildings for Southwest Airlines totaling 128,000 SF. The new buildings provide storage and office space to support Southwest Airline’s expanding presence at DIA.

Project Contract

$12M

The combined 17-acre site would include two new buildings for Southwest Airlines totaling 128,000 SF. The new buildings provide storage and office space to support Southwest Airline’s expanding presence at DIA.

ESCO completed a comprehensive site civil package for each building, including 100,000 CY of over-excavation, earthmoving, and soil reconditioning. Installation of over 7,000 LF of underground utilities (water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer) and completed foundation excavation & backfill, and subgrade preparation for each building. Some key challenges included supporting an unknown 30” distribution water main to install a 42” storm sewer pipe. The work also involved demolition and 330 LF of jack & bore piping, concrete flatwork, and paving. Logistical hurdles included working in a congested site, coordinating with multiple parties, and operating in restricted Airside Operations Areas at DIA.

The consistent coordination between the General Contractor, ESCO, and other Trade Partners on each site allowed the team to react to design changes and clarifications in a timely and productive manner as to not impact the project schedule.