Following the news of June 20 (Virgin Islands: expansion of the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal the new data revealed by Virgin Islands Port Authority points to a cost of around $230 million.
The vision for the project includes new jet bridges, parking garages and restaurant expansions, along with a connected ferry terminal that would expedite maritime travel for travelers after exiting the terminal (something that could be a boost for both St John and St Croix and for the nearby British Virgin Islands).
Retail areas will get a major upgrade.
The designs for the ferry terminal include a pedestrian bridge that would allow arriving passengers to walk toward the nearby Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas over traffic to the newly-built terminal.
The wider expansion will include an upgraded airline ticketing area, concessions, restrooms, baggage screening, baggage claim and, perhaps most importantly, enclosed loading bridges.
The first phase of the expansion project will include a second level with views of the surrounding area, along with new retail and duty free offerings and a new roof.
The project began several years ago with a master plan process, according to Tom Schnetzer, head of long term projections for the Cyril King airport.
The existing terminal was built 30 years ago when airports functioned differently, Schnetzer said.
Perez & Perez is the architectural team behind the project, which has designed a number of major aviation projects, including Concourse H at Miami International Airport.
Source: Caribbean Journal