This is the terminal’s first major expansion since it opened in 1993 and will allow O’Hare to comfortably welcome an increasing number of travelers. It will increase the terminal’s capacity by 25 percent, adding new gates and upgrading existing gate sizes to accommodate the larger aircraft used for international flights.

The L-shaped addition incorporates nine new wide-body aircraft gates and relocates and reconfigures three existing gates. All the gates will accommodate next-generation aircraft and be easily convertible to narrow-body positions as the terminal is repurposed in the future. A community gathering area at the corner of the L-shaped concourse functions as a town square and commercial space. There are an array of retail, food and beverage offerings. The gently raised ceiling creates a signature vaulted space that welcomes natural light and offers views across the airfield toward the Chicago skyline. With a sustainable design features including high-performance glass, a circadian lighting system and healthy, durable materials, the team is aiming for LEED Silver certification.