Indianapolis International Airport's new midfield terminal building is 65-percent complete, according to Airport Authority Executive Director John Kish. He says the roof on the structure is nearly finished and interior work is progressing.

The four-level, 1.2-million-square-foot terminal, slated for completion in late 2008, is the centerpiece of the $1.1-billion New Indianapolis Airport — the largest development initiative in the city of Indianapolis' history. Hunt/Smoot Midfield Builders, a joint venture of Hunt Construction Group and Smoot Construction, is building the terminal and concourse area. Between 700 and 800 workers are on-site, according to Edward Hole of Hunt Construction Group.

Meanwhile, the five-level parking garage is quickly taking shape. Turner/Trotter Construction is the construction manager for the garage which will hold approximately 1,100 rental vehicles on the first level.

The new terminal is being built in the "midfield" area of the present airport, between the two main runways. Featuring two wide concourses (100 feet wide by 1,300 feet long) with a total of 40 gates, the terminal is a structural steel-framed structure set on concrete with a high-performance glass envelope. The building's design is highlighted by a great, arched roof.

In the center of the terminal is Civic Plaza, a large open space 200 feet in diameter where workers are installing the skylight ceiling 50 feet above the floor.

According to Kish, the new airport hotel — a Westin — will be built adjacent to the garage. It will open in early 2009.