After many years of occupying a nondescript metal building, the Grand Forks Flight Support decided to build a new, state-of-the-art modern Fixed Base Operator at Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D. In addition to improved facilities, the new building provides the owner with a distinctive image and greater presence at the airport.
The goal was to provide a sustainable, five star FBO with enhanced amenities for pilots and travelers while staying within budget, according to Brian Carlson, project manager at JLG Architects, Grand Forks.
The budget drove the decision to use a pre-engineered metal building, while appearance and durability were key to choosing the architectural metal wall panels.
Airplane services include a 25,500-square-foot (2,369-m2) indoor hangar, airplane maintenance areas, parking, aircraft rental/charter, full-line services and flight training. In addition, the 20,000-square-foot (1,858-m2) indoor center offers many complementary services, such as flight planning, a pilot’s lounge, an observation deck, office spaces and an executive conference room.
The modern, 21st century building possesses many sustainable features, including parking limited to the minimum by local codes, excellent natural lighting and ventilation, and high-efficiency glazing systems.
American Buildings Co., Eufaula, Ala., supplied the 17,700-square-foot (1,644-m2) pre-engineered metal buildings used for the hangar and truck garage. The 8,100 square-foot (752-m2) office is made from a conventional steel-framed building. Houston-based MBCI supplied 1,240 square feet (115 m2) of metal wall panels for the project. Tubelite Inc., Walker, Mich., supplied 1,800 square feet (167 m2) of an aluminum storefront system, and Kalwall Corp., Manchester, N.H., supplied 990 square feet (92 m2) of translucent panels. Door Engineering and Manufacturing, Kasota, Minn., supplied the rolling hangar door.
While using a pre-engineered steel structure is common for hangar facilities, this project utilized a steel building system in conjunction with other systems and materials, resulting in a building that is not only functional and cost effective, but provides a high-end level of finish and modern aesthetic appeal, Carlson said.
Fixed Base Operator, Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D.
Award: 2009 AIA North Dakota Honor Award
Architect: JLG Architects, Grand Forks
Metal building: American Buildings Co., Eufaula, Ala., www.americanbuildings.com
Metal wall panels: MBCI, Houston, www.mbci.com
Rolling hangar door: Door Engineering and Manufacturing, Kasota, Minn, www.doorengineering.com
Storefront system: Tubelite Inc., Walker, Mich., www.tubeliteinc.com
Translucent panels: Kalwall Corp., Manchester, N.H., www.kalwall.com
