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O’Hare International Airport – North Air Traffic Control Tower

LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois

OWNER
City of Chicago, Department of Aviation

CONTRACT VALUE
$43 Million

Description

The supplemental tower and base building project for the North Airfield development at O’Hare International Airport features a control tower approximately 225 feet tall, with the cab floor positioned at this height. The cab itself spans 400 square feet, while the base building covers 10,000 square feet. The construction required over 200 tons of structural steel and 2,100 cubic yards of concrete.

The lower core of the control tower boasts an architectural concrete finish, while the cab level is entirely encased in glass. Each glass sheet measures 19 feet in length and weighs up to 4,000 pounds, adding to the structural complexity. Given the air-side location of the construction site, the project faced significant challenges, including construction height restrictions and strict coordination to comply with FAA regulations.

Project Highlights