The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, located in Pitkin County, is set to undergo a modernization project starting this fall or winter. In preparation for this timeline, the Pitkin County Commissioners have chosen a design firm and held a meeting with them to discuss the goals, costs, and challenges of the project.

The selected firm, ZGF, specializes in airport terminal design and has previously worked on projects such as the Portland International Airport terminal and various mass timber projects in New York City, Boulder, and Barcelona. During the introductory meeting, the topic of using mass timber as a structural material for the airport terminal was discussed, as it is known for its low carbon impact compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete.

The commissioners had several questions for the ZGF team, including logistical and legal concerns, as well as potential implications of framing the project as a sustainability initiative. Commissioner Francie Jacober expressed her worry that using terms like “sustainability” and “environmentalism” may hinder the county’s chances of receiving funding from the current administration. In response, ZGF’s sustainable engineering lead, Paul Schwer, suggested reframing the project as promoting energy independence, which may appeal to a wider audience.

As part of the design process, ZGF will be seeking public input through three forums. The firm plans to present three design concepts and incorporate feedback from the public into the final design. By the end of the year, ZGF aims to have one main design chosen and move into the schematic design phase.

The project is expected to bring the airport into a more modern and sustainable era, with a focus on incorporating public input and utilizing environmentally friendly materials. The Pitkin County Commissioners are confident in ZGF’s expertise and ability to bring their vision to life. The public is encouraged to participate in the design process and help shape the future of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.