UPDATED at 9:30 AM: Airport spokesperson Emily Richards says while the building permit indicates an $85 million project, the cost is expected to be closer to $70 million. Also, DF Chase will be Austin Commercial's local partner.
One of the largest building projects in the history of Nashville International Airport is underway.
A building permit has been approved for a new Consolidated Rental Car Facility – or "CONRAC" – in what is now Long-Term Parking Lot A.
The $85 million, 900,000-square-foot project should be complete by November 2011. It will feature housing for 2,400 rental cars, a "quick-turnaround" facility providing refueling and car wash services and covered access to the BNA terminal. The building permit calls for the construction of two three-story buildings and three 20,000-gallon underground fuel storage tanks.
"This facility will help us continue to provide passengers with the Nashville Airports Experience – the best possible experience at the airport, and is going to be a great addition to BNA," said Raul Regalado, Metro Nashville Airport Authority president and CEO. "It will make the rental car process more efficient and environmentally friendly."
Dallas-based Austin Commercial has the contract. The building includes sustainability features, including the use of recycled water for washing rental cars, energy-efficient lighting, a lighting management system to adjust light levels based on natural lighting, and a greenscreen wall covered in vegetation.
Austin Commercial is the construction-management arm of the Austin Industrial conglomerate. One of Texas' largest construction companies, Austin has had success outside of the Lone Star State, including work on the newest terminal at Sacremento International Airport.