Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month.
49ers Stadium Upgrades
September marked the beginning of football season, and Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, is already thinking ahead to the next couple of years. The stadium and team have kicked off $200 million in upgrades aimed at enhancing the fan experience. The announcement follows the stadium’s 10-year anniversary and comes in preparation for 2026, when Levi’s Stadium will become the first venue in history to host a FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl in the same year. Projects include extra field seats, new and renovated luxury spaces, frictionless concession stands, advanced Wi-Fi infrastructure, and more.
Organizations: Levi’s Stadium and San Francisco 49ers
Location: Santa Clara, Calif.
Type of project: Renovations
Size: Seating capacity of 68,500
Estimated cost: $200 million
Design-build team: N/A
Status: Announced Aug. 27
Expected completion: By 2026
Interesting tidbit: Several major projects will be carried out ahead of the 2025 season, including new state-of-the-art video boards, which will give Levi’s Stadium the largest 4K display in the league. Another 13,000 square feet of LED screens will also be upgraded, while a new LED field lighting system will brighten the playing surface for primetime night games while conserving energy. Levi’s Stadium also strives to be a sustainability leader and was recently awarded its third LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Quote: Brent Schoeb, 49ers chief revenue and marketing officer, said, “Throughout our first decade at Levi’s Stadium, we have cultivated an award-winning experience. As we embark on the next decade of 49ers games, Super Bowl 60, FIFA World Cup, concerts, and other events, we will continue investing in the fan experience.”
More details available here.
‘History-Making’ Hospital Expansion
On the very same block where Henry Ford Hospital first opened its doors in Detroit nearly 110 years ago, Henry Ford Health system stakeholders broke ground on a major campus expansion known as “Destination: Grand.” The $2.2 billion project will be the organization’s most significant investment in the city to date and marks the single largest healthcare investment in Detroit’s history. The expansion plan is anchored by a new hospital facility that will span 1.2 million square feet directly across the street from the legacy campus, which will remain in operation.
Organization: Henry Ford Health
Location: Detroit, Mich.
Type of project: New build/expansion
Size: At least 1.2 million square feet
Estimated cost: $2.2 billion
Status: Ground broken Sept. 12
Expected completion: 2029
Interesting tidbit: The new hospital facility will include a 20-story patient tower, with three floors dedicated to providing intensive inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation. As part of the Destination: Grand plan, Henry Ford Health is also building a 185,000-square-foot shared services building, which will house the hospital’s kitchen, loading dock, sterile processing, and more; a new 1,500-space parking structure; and a 46,000-square-foot Central Energy Hub, which will heat and cool the new facilities through a hot and chilled water pump system. Henry Ford Health, which has a net-zero emissions goal, said the hub will eliminate the need for natural gas, lessen pollution, and contribute to the facility becoming one of the largest fully electric-capable hospitals in the country.
Quote: Henry Ford Health President and CEO Bob Riney said, “We are creating a place like no other in the state, and through this major expansion of our campus, we are cementing our commitment to our Detroit community for the next century and beyond. Detroit deserves this.”
More details available here.
Major Airport’s Busiest Terminal
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), one of the busiest airports in the world, joined American Airlines and other partners for a “wall-breaking ceremony” to completely rebuild and expand Terminal C, DFW’s busiest and most outdated terminal. The $3 billion project is part of the airport’s nearly $9 billion capital improvement plan, called “DFW Forward,” which will transform terminals, add new facilities and amenities, grow the number of gates, improve roadways and connectivity, enhance the airfield, and mark the airport’s largest capital investment since opening in 1974.
Organization: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Location: Dallas, Texas
Type of project: Expansion/new build
Size: N/A
Estimated cost: ~$3 billion
Design-build team: HOK, Muller & Muller Ltd, and a joint venture comprised of Austin Commercial, Azteca Enterprises, and Alpha & Omega
Status: Ceremony held Aug. 29
Expected completion: In phases until 2030
Interesting tidbit: The Terminal C project will include removing more than 400 view-blocking columns, installing new dynamic glass windows, raising the roof throughout, rebuilding the adjacent parking garage, and offering a better customer experience through new shops and restaurants, lounge space, check-in areas, security checkpoints, and improved restrooms. The first phase will add 115,000 square feet and four gates to Terminal C, while concurrently adding 140,000 square feet and five gates to DFW’s Terminal A. In two more phases, the remainder of the Terminal C concourse will be demolished and rebuilt. This work will allow the terminal to continue flight operations in other portions of the facility while focused areas undergo significant construction.
Quote: DFW CEO Sean Donohue said, “As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand-new ones. The work in front of us is exciting, but it is going to be complex, challenging, and impactful as we continue to operate one of the world’s busiest airports.”
More details available here.
Student Housing Touchdown
Imagine being a college kid with a great view of gameday outside your own window. Well, Ferris State University students will soon be able to watch their beloved Bulldogs football games from the comfort of their residence hall rooms. The Michigan school is planning to build an innovative living center attached to the north end zone of the team’s stadium, Top Taggart Field. How cool is that?!
Organization: Ferris State University
Location: Big Rapids, Mich.
Type of project: New build
Size: Four stories, about 300 beds
Estimated cost: $38 million
Design-build team: INTEGRATED design SOLUTIONS and Granger Construction
Status: Announced Aug. 29
Expected completion: August 2026
Interesting tidbit: The building will be the first in a planned series of upgrades and replacements to campus living spaces and athletic facilities at Ferris State University. The $38 million project is designed to have space for about 300 beds in rooms spread out over four stories, many with an up-close view of the football field. In addition, first-floor community spaces will open out to the stadium—within range of a long field goal.
Quote: Ferris State President Bill Pink said, “This will be a state-of-the-art facility with all the modern conveniences students today are looking for, with the added benefit of being attached to an entertainment complex that will host events throughout the year. These students will truly have the best seat in the house.”
More details available here.
Honorable Mentions
- Costco Store with Affordable Housing
- NYC’s Largest Solar Array at JFK Airport
- $3B Data Center Campus
- CarMax Ballpark and Entertainment Venue
- Rundown School Rebuild for Navy Kids
Do you have a major project announcement you’d like considered for the “Under Construction” series? Please contact Editor Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.