The Daily Dig
JE Dunn Construction has been selected as construction manager at risk for the Terminal 1 Boiler and Chiller Replacement and Energy Management Center (EMC) Expansion at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission’s board approved the selection on September 22, 2026, following a competitive qualifications, proposal and interview process.
The MAC has allocated $480 million for the entire project, according to the RFQ. The multiyear job will modernize the central utility plant that heats and cools Terminal 1 and its parking structures, with final completion targeted for 2032.
Old Faithful’s Last Shift
The EMC came online with Terminal 1 in the early 1960s. It operates around the clock today and has reached the end of its useful life.
The plant serves more than 3 million square feet of conditioned space and accounts for roughly 75% of the natural gas used at MSP.
According to the RFQ, the existing EMC structure will be demolished and replaced with an expanded facility.
Plans call for upgrades to the steam boiler plant, a complete replacement of the chilled water plant, an industrial heat recovery chiller system and new heating water distribution. A geothermal system with 28 wells is also a possibility.
Gate Expectations
The project reaches far beyond the plant room. Six gate areas along Concourse C will be reconstructed and expanded.
The RFQ calls for deconstructing about 183,400 square feet of existing concourse space and building about 309,990 square feet of new concourse facilities.
Restrooms, concessions, airline spaces and MAC support areas will also be added or improved as part of the work.
Plenty of Runway
Planning and design are underway. Enabling work is anticipated to begin in 2027, with major construction expected to start in 2028.
JE Dunn joins the MAC and the design team during preconstruction. Their role covers constructability reviews, cost estimating, scheduling, phasing, logistics planning, risk management and long lead equipment procurement support.
Under the CMAR model, the contractor joins the design process early and guaranteed maximum prices are set as project phases advance.
Keeping the airport fully operational throughout construction is the priority, according to Jeff Callinan, Vice President and Minneapolis Office Leader for JE Dunn.
“Our priority is careful planning, transparent communication, and a phased execution that ensures the airport remains fully operational throughout construction,” he said.
JE Dunn has worked inside Terminal 1 before. They recently completed a renovation covering 378,000 square feet that modernized six concourses and 75 Delta hold rooms while gates stayed operational for most of the work.
Snapshot:
Project: Terminal 1 Boiler and Chiller Replacement and Energy Management Center (EMC) Expansion
Location: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota
Owner: Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
Construction Manager at Risk: JE Dunn Construction
Delivery Method: Construction manager at risk
Project Budget: $480 million allocated by MAC for the entire project, per RFQ
Selection Approved: September 22, 2026, by MAC Board of Commissioners
Selection Process: Qualifications, proposal and interview
Sector: Aviation, central utility plant
Existing Facility: EMC online since early 1960s, operates around the clock
Area Served: More than 3 million sq. ft. of conditioned space
Natural Gas Share: Approximately 75% of MSP’s natural gas use
EMC Scope: Demolition of existing EMC structure; construction of expanded EMC facility
Plant Systems: Steam boiler plant upgrades; complete chilled water plant replacement; industrial heat recovery chiller system; new heating water distribution system; potential geothermal system with 28 wells
Concourse C Scope: 6 gate areas reconstructed and expanded; about 183,400 sq. ft. deconstructed; about 309,990 sq. ft. of new concourse facilities; restrooms, concessions, airline spaces and MAC support areas added or improved
Preconstruction Services: Constructability reviews, cost estimating, scheduling, phasing, logistics planning, risk management, long lead equipment procurement support
Status: Planning and design underway
Enabling Work: 2027
Major Construction Start: 2028
Final Completion: Targeted 2032
Operational Requirement: Airport to remain fully operational during construction
MAC Sustainability Goals: 80% greenhouse gas reduction and 15% water use per passenger reduction by 2030; net zero emissions by 2050
Contractor’s MSP Experience: Terminal 1 renovation of 378,000 sq. ft. (6 concourses, 75 Delta hold rooms)
Contractor’s Local Presence: Minneapolis office serving Minnesota for 80+ years; $1.8 billion in projects over the past decade
TheJobWalk Thoughts
Mechanical subs and equipment suppliers should treat preconstruction as the real starting line. A full chilled water plant replacement and an industrial heat recovery chiller system mean major equipment with long lead times, and procurement support is already in JE Dunn’s scope. Early engagement is the best way to learn the equipment, phasing and logistics before packages go out.
The heat recovery piece is the quiet headline. Those systems typically shift heating load off gas boilers, which matters at a plant that accounts for 75% of MSP’s natural gas use. If geothermal makes the cut, well drillers join the party too.
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