With a 5-star customer experience squarely in mind, a multiplicity of important infrastructure projects are well underway at William P. Hobby Airport. 

Multiple Ongoing Projects are underway at Hobby Airport

With new flooring for Hobby’s Central Concourse completed in December 2020, project undertakings, most of which are due to be completed in January or February 2021, include the following listed below.

Restroom Renovations
Hobby restrooms need modernization and are going to a modular design that will also improve air quality, lighting, and circulation of air along with providing updated plumbing fixtures. Smart devices may be added in the future, according to Hobby Airport Division Manager of Projects Michael Powers.

Central Concourse Play Area
This 1,300-square-foot area is being built to enhance the airport experience for children and families. The play area will include slides, a gaming system, and power seating for parents as they watch their children. Flight Information Display Systems, FIDS, will be installed in this area so that parents can keep track of their flights. The intent of the project was aimed at ensuring children also have something fun to do at the airport. 

Hobby FIDS and Baggage Information Display System, BIDS 
FIDS/BIDS  are being updated to larger monitors with a higher LED resolution. As an example, the current monitors are being changed from a 32-inch landscape monitor to a 48-inch portrait-style monitor that allows the passenger to find information easier, provides for a more modern look and makes for better customer service. 

Hobby Terminal Gap Signage
All of the airport signage is being standardized and Spanish translations will be included to enhance the customer experience and better cater to the international market. Installation began January 11 and the estimated completion date is late February 2021. 

Gates 40-46 and Gates 47-51
This is a continuation of the electrical infrastructure already installed in Gates 20-27. With the digital age fully upon us, it’s essential for the central concourse to have 100% power seating where passengers can charge their electronic devices without delay.  

New Interfaith Chapel
Yet another upgrade is the new interfaith chapel, which will replace the chapel currently located downstairs. The new interfaith chapel will provide interested passengers a modern facility on the concourse. It is also necessary to allow for the expansion of the United Service Organizations' airport lounge.  

Service Animal Relief Area Renovation
The “pet restroom” project was undertaken because of a need to update and modernize the service animal relief area. The changes include new plumbing and increased air circulation new tile walls and a new drainage system.  

“In short,” Powers said, “we recognize how important pets are to our passengers, and we want to go above and beyond in giving them our very best as well.” 

New Harmony in the Air Stage
The award-winning Harmony in the Air performing arts program has received rave reviews for showcasing concert-style performances by Houston’s finest professional musicians. In the next few weeks, the current stage will be replaced by a new and upgraded honey maple wood backdrop and platform, surrounded by beautiful greenery and state-of-the-art audiovisual and acoustic equipment.  

“By enhancing the Harmony in the Air stage, Houston Airports expresses its deepest commitment to keep providing a memorable and positive travel experience,” said Maricela Kruseman, program founder and director. 

Long-term Waiting Lounge 
This amenity, which makes for 100% electric seating capacity in the area, was designed to allow passengers to recharge pre-security, while waiting for check-in or to go through a checkpoint. Lounge tables that have charging capability will be available and there will also be a small gaming area for children. In the case of the occasional and rare flight delay, children will be able to occupy and enjoy themselves in the area located across from the Delta Air Lines gate area.

New Information Counters
State-of-the-art technology again takes front-and-center as these new booths will give passengers the ability to interact and get the information they want and need 24/7. Even when unmanned, the booths will allow passengers to obtain the information they need via interactive kiosks, a video board in the background, or by pressing a button to talk with someone in the Communications Center. The completion target date is to be determined. 

Southwest Airlines Operations Relocation
This is an enabling project for a new children’s play area. Southwest Airlines Operations are being relocated behind Buffalo Wild Wings by Gate 25. 

Roadway Signage Gap
Exterior signage for roadway wayfinding  is being standardized as well. This ensures that passengers have a clear message when navigating to, and around, the airport. The work is expected to be complete by the second quarter of fiscal year 2022. 

Upper U-ramp Expansion Joint Replacement
The joints on the upper ramp have reached the end of their life cycle and this preventive maintenance project that replaces them is essential.  

Teamwork: Coordination and Commitment Equals Success 
Houston Airport System's leadership and staff have been extremely busy working the many projects alongside many capable contractors. Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz has served as a catalyst for action, and the efforts of Bob Barker who oversees the Infrastructure department, J’Maine Chubb who oversees the Finance department, Liliana Rambo who oversees Airport terminals and Dawn Hoffman  who manages the terminal at Hobby Airport are among many who have been instrumental in getting these projects rolling. Additionally, the leadership and staff of the Building Standards Group, the Custodial Team, Job Order Contracting Team, Landside Operations Team, Security and Badging Team, and Infrastructure Maintenance Team have been invaluable in the efforts. 

Powers, who has provided oversight for the projects, said he has never been busier and never been prouder to be a part of Houston Airports and Hobby’s ongoing commitment to excellence. 

The primary challenges to the project schedules resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has been shipping and materials acquisitions. Typical lead times of six to eight weeks have often been stretched out to 10 to 12 weeks. 

Leadership concurs that what is being accomplished is amazing in terms of giving airport customers a 5-star experience. They agree that the modern amenities and facilities are accomplishments Houston Airports will be proud of for many years to come.