After many years of occupying a nondescript metal building, the Grand Forks Flight Support decided to build a new, state-of-the-art modern fixed base operator (FBO) facility at Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, ND. In addition to improved facilities, the new building provides the owner with a distinctive image and greater presence at the airport.
The goal was to provide a sustainable, five-star FBO with enhanced amenities for pilots and travelers while staying within budget, according to Brian Carlson, project manager at JLG Architects, Grand Forks. The budget drove the decision to use a pre-engineered metal building, while appearance and durability led to the selection of the architectural metal wall panels.
Airplane services include a 25,500-square foot (2,369 square meters) indoor hangar, airplane maintenance areas, parking, aircraft rental/charter, full-line services and flight training. In addition, the 20,000-square foot (1,858 square meters) indoor center offers many complementary services, such as flight planning, a pilot’s lounge, an observation deck, office spaces and an executive conference room.
The modern, 21st century building possesses many sustainable features, including parking limited to the minimum by local codes, excellent natural lighting and ventilation and high-efficiency glazing systems.
American Buildings Company, Eufaula, AL, supplied the 17,700 square foot (1,644 square meters) pre-engineered metal buildings used for the hangar and truck garage. The 8,100-square foot (752 square meters) office is made from a conventional steel-framed building. Houston-based MBCI supplied 1,240 square feet (115 square meters) of metal wall panels for the project. Tubelite Inc., Walker, MI, supplied 1,800 square feet (167 square meters) of an aluminum storefront system, and Kalwall Corp., Manchester, NH, supplied 990 square feet (92 square meters) of translucent panels. Door Engineering and Manufacturing, Kasota, MN, supplied the rolling hangar door.
While using a pre-engineered steel structure is common for hangar facilities, this project utilized a steel building system in conjunction with other systems and materials, resulting in a building that is not only functional and cost-effective, but provides a high-end level of finish and modern aesthetic appeal.