SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar.4, 2025 – Denver International Airport (DEN) has released detailed plans and renderings for the concluding phase of its ambitious Great Hall Program, signaling a significant step towards modernizing and enhancing the airport’s infrastructure.
Upcoming Milestones and Construction Goals
Construction activities are set to shift to the south end of the terminal in May 2025, initially focusing on Level 6 West within the airline ticket counter area, before transitioning to the east side. The eagerly anticipated East Security Checkpoint is slated to open in August 2025, and the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The entire Great Hall Program is on track for completion in 2027.
This final phase aims to fully realize the build-out of the Jeppesen Terminal, ensuring it meets the demands of future growth and addresses critical infrastructure needs. The design philosophy underpinning the Great Hall emphasizes creating a welcoming environment, mitigating traveler stress and anxiety, reflecting Colorado’s unique culture, bringing the outdoors inside, ensuring durability, flexibility, functionality, and adaptability, and meeting the needs of both the traveling public and DEN’s 41,000+ employees.
“It’s rare to have an opportunity to reconstruct a major airport terminal and to modernize and reimagine it for the needs of today’s travelers as well as travelers of the future,” said Phil Washington, CEO of DEN. “But the Great Hall Program is allowing us to do just that. The final phase will result in an iconic space inspired by the natural beauty of Colorado, designed to leave a memorable first and last impression. When the entire project is complete in 2027, it will have been delivered on time and under budget. This is a total team effort of which I am immensely proud.”
Level 5 Enhancements: Global Gateway, Welcome Home Colorado, and The Living Room
North Level 5: Global Gateway
The north end of Level 5, designated as the Global Gateway, will serve as the primary arrival and connection point for international passengers. This area will streamline transfers with eight new security lanes (four east and four west) to accommodate increasing passenger volumes. The Global Gateway will feature public art, including the return of “Spirit of the People,” showcasing Native American culture in the Colorado region through various mediums. Additionally, the space will house DEN’s statue of Elrey Jeppesen, the terminal’s namesake.
Center Level 5: Welcome Home Colorado
The center of Level 5, dubbed Welcome Home Colorado, will provide a welcoming arrival experience for domestic travelers. This area will feature ample seating, a large flight information board, and a centralized information booth to assist arriving passengers. The design emphasizes spaciousness and brightness, with new lighting and convenient access to coffee, essentials, and gifts.
South Level 5: The Living Room
The south end of Level 5, known as The Living Room, will transform the current South Security Checkpoint area into a vibrant, high-energy space. It will offer a variety of comfortable seating options, dining choices, and four security lanes serving RTD A-Line passengers. These lanes will be enclosed within a structure flanked by a bar serving Colorado craft beers. A food court with ample seating and new dining options will be located above the security lanes. The space will incorporate greenery and large information boards for flight updates.
The Living Room’s centerpiece will be “The Stars and the Cottonwood,” an 18-meter-tall sculpture by artist Donald Lipski, featuring over 30,000 Swarovski crystals, inspired by the region’s native cottonwood trees. This artwork is part of the city’s 1% for Public Art ordinance. An entertainment space beneath the sculpture will host live Colorado music and performances. A sensory space on the level above will provide a calming environment for overstimulated travelers, alongside the interfaith chapel and mosque.
Additional Security Enhancements
In a related development, DEN has recently begun installing 78 additional high-resolution security cameras in the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot, further enhancing security measures throughout the airport.
The Great Hall Program's final phase represents a significant investment in DEN’s infrastructure, promising to deliver an enhanced and memorable travel experience for millions of passengers.
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