DCA Reimagined
DCA
REIMAGINED
BY CRYSTAL NOSAL
Over the next several years , Reagan National Airport will undergo a carefully coordinated redevelopment of Terminal 2 amenities . The DCA Reimagined project focuses on introducing enhanced shopping and dining options , creating innovative spaces to relax in the National Hall and at the gates , and upgrading the restroom experience . The plans leverage changes completed in 2021 when security checkpoints were relocated , converting 1 million square feet of concourse space overnight to a post-security environment .
“ This renovation is necessary with the number of passengers through Reagan National only increasing every year ,” said Paul Malandrino , vice president and manager of Reagan National Airport . “ Last year , we had just shy of 24 million passengers , and we have an inadequate number of restrooms for them . We are also very congested at the end of the older concourses . We are doing this project mainly to focus on the customer service experience at our airport .”
The renovation is designed to deliver significant improvements for airport customers while minimizing disruptions accompanying construction projects . Passengers will notice construction walls in post-security areas where changes are underway and signage directing them to available restaurants , travel essentials , and restrooms when others are closed for redevelopment .
Increasing satisfaction with restroom layouts and fixtures has become a trend among customer-focused airports nationwide . More restrooms will be added to Reagan National , and the existing restrooms will be rebuilt and enlarged to give passengers more space . “ We are rethinking the privacy of our restrooms with this project . Sure , the old ones are functional , but at ten years old , they are outdated ,” said Diego Cuadros , an Airports Authority architect and project manager with this effort . “ Privacy is more important and appreciated . The new ones will have larger stalls , and the partitions will be practically floor to ceiling .” The restrooms will be renovated or built out in phases to lessen the effect on travelers .
“ Part of this project will be putting a premier branded concept with a full-service restaurant and bar at the end of each concourse ,” said Jaimini Erskine , vice president for marketing and concessions of the Airports Authority . “ DCA Reimagined will also tackle the seating in the hold rooms at the end of concourses and National Hall . The ambiance and aesthetics of the airport will be elevated for passengers with diverse seating options .”
This work will proceed without impacting airline flight schedules or the airport ’ s busy roadway network . “ We want to make sure that during these renovations at Reagan National , our passengers find the amenities and obtain all the information they need ,” Erskine added . Customers can follow the project ’ s progress and new concession openings on the airport ’ s website : flyreagan . com .
Wings for All
Credit : Reagan National Airport
Wings for All
Credit : Reagan National Airport
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 12 WINTER 2023-24