Market: Aviation + Transport

Earlier today, Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) celebrated as the first flights departed from the new Concourse D Extension at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®).

Completed by Hensel Phelps and Fentress Studios in a design-build partnership, the 160,000 SF extension is the first project in BNA’s New Horizon plan. It adds five gates, 22,000 SF of new concessions and a year-round outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the airfield and city skyline. The extension also features three large-scale art installations by local and national artists.

The Concourse D Extension marks a major milestone in MNAA’s ongoing commitment to serve Middle Tennessee’s booming population and BNA’s record-setting passenger volume. Building on the success of the previous BNA® Vision plan, the airport will offer 114 nonstop destinations this summer – well above the previous record of 99 reached in July 2023.

Doug Kreulen, MNAA President and CEO, commented on this notable milestone:

“The unveiling of the Concourse D Extension is a proud moment for the airport, as well as our partners and community members. Delivered on time and under budget, this extension is not only the first major New Horizon milestone, it’s also the latest achievement in our multi-year commitment to provide a world-class airport experience to passengers at Nashville International Airport. We are steadfast in our dedication to deliver exceptional passenger service throughout this time of unprecedented growth.”

Design of the Concourse D Extension was inspired by Nashville’s rich musical heritage. Passengers moving through the extension arrive in a circular hub called the “Record Node,” featuring a central cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline. The Record Node was designed with the capacity to accommodate two future gates in anticipation of BNA’s continued growth.

Curt Fentress, FAIA, RIBA and principal in charge of design for Fentress Studios, said:

“Hensel Phelps and Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, are excited to celebrate the opening of the Concourse D Extension with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and Nashville International Airport (BNA). Throughout our time working on this project, we saw firsthand that BNA is an increasingly vibrant transportation hub, and our priority was to elevate passenger experience while accommodating future growth. The Concourse D Extension is a notable step forward for air travel to and from Music City.”

Hensel Phelps and Fentress Studios also delivered two previous projects as part of the BNA® Vision plan, which concluded in 2024:

• Concourse D and Terminal Wings Expansion
• International Arrivals Facility and Grand Lobby

The Concourse D Extension is poised to achieve LEED Silver certification, having successfully diverted or recycled more than 75 percent of all construction waste, and on track to reduce indoor water consumption by more than 40 percent and energy costs by 13.5 percent, both over baseline.

Populous, the world-renowned design firm specializing in sport and entertainment venues has today announced the acquisition of Fentress Architects, a global leader in iconic aviation projects and prominent public buildings, including convention centers, museums and government facilities.

This strategic acquisition unites two of the most respected names in architecture, combining Populous’ unparalleled expertise in designing memorable experiences with Fentress’ award-winning portfolio of aviation, civic and cultural landmarks. The acquisition significantly broadens the scope and scale of services that Populous can offer clients across the globe.

Bruce Miller, Populous Global Chair and CEO, commented:

“We are committed to expanding the breadth of our practice. Fentress Architects has long been known for its visionary aviation and public architecture, exceptional design quality and commitment to innovation. Uniting our aviation team with Fentress to form Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, symbolizes our dedication to design quality.

Adding Fentress’ expertise and client base to the Populous global aviation and transportation portfolio, as well as synergies across convention center design, will enable us to transform the future of people-centric design and supercharge our global impact in those sectors.”

Founded in 1980, Fentress Architects has designed more than $52 billion of architectural landmarks worldwide, including Denver International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Miami Beach Convention Center and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The firm is known for creating architecture that is sustainable, contextual and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Curt Fentress, Founder and Principal in Charge of Design at Fentress Architects, commented:

“Populous shares our values of design excellence and people-centric thinking. Together, we will continue to redefine great architecture and its capacity to ignite social and economic change through inspired design for people.”

Fentress Architects will rebrand as Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, with the studios continuing to be based in Denver and Washington D.C. The acquisition further propels Populous’ capabilities in aviation, transportation and public sector design.