See Inside O'Hare's New $1.3 Billion Satellite Concourse Design.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is expanding. The traveling public got its first look at the new 19-gate satellite concourse. This new facility aims to meet surging air travel demand. O’Hare terminals are currently operating at capacity.

Commissioner Michael McMurray shared the video. He spoke during a state-of-the-airports address. The event was held at the City Club of Chicago.

Design Details and Heritage

The ORD satellite concourse D is a $1.3 billion project. The design comes from a team led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The design pays tribute to the airport's history. O’Hare’s airport code, ORD, links back to its original name, Orchard Field.

The concourse features a series of branching, tree-like columns. These elements honor the land's former orchards. The sculptural columns support a curved roof. This design brings daylight deep into the building. It creates a calm, naturally-lit environment for passengers.

"Passengers arrive in a skylit, multi-level space," a video narrator stated. The space is shaped by gentle curves and landscaped forms. This central area offers zones for rest, dining, retail, and play. A floating walkway for international travelers will be suspended from the tree-like columns. The south end of the concourse opens to views of the Chicago skyline.

Project Phasing and Financial Oversight

The O'Hare $1.3 billion concourse broke ground last year. It is expected to be completed in late 2028. The 19 new gates will boost O'Hare terminal capacity boost. Each gate can serve one wide-body or two narrow-body aircraft. This flexibility maximizes O'Hare gate utilization, McMurray noted.

This concourse is the first major stage of the larger $8.2 billion Chicago O'Hare expansion project. To manage costs, Mayor Brandon Johnson changed the construction order. The satellite concourse is being built first. The O’Hare Global Terminal will follow in a phased construction plan. This terminal replaces what is now Terminal 2.

A second satellite concourse (Concourse E) will be built later. This depends on funding remaining after other work is finished. The city must provide regular cost estimates. They need approval from United Airlines and American Airlines. The airlines are funding much of the bill.

Industry Impact

This new construction is part of the O’Hare 21 capital program. The program aims to modernize the airport for future growth. The expansion is critical as air travel demand surges. The new concourse adds 590,000 square feet of space.

Talks continue regarding the Global Terminal design. The original design by Jeanne Gang was called an expensive "Taj Mahal" by some. McMurray is confident the city can deliver the full project. He stressed constant negotiation and collaboration. This includes work with airline and federal partners. The city's commitment ensures Chicago remains a global aviation hub.

• The $1.3 billion Concourse D is the first major phase of the $8.2 billion O'Hare expansion.
• The 19 new gates will boost O'Hare terminal capacity and gate utilization by late 2028.
• Design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill features "tree-like columns" honoring Orchard Field (ORD).
• Construction order was changed, requiring United and American Airlines approval for budget changes.

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