MSP Airport Terminal 1 Operational Improvements Program Receives Minneapolis Preservation Award

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Terminal 1 Operational Improvements Program received a 2026 Minneapolis Preservation Award in the Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse category.

Presented by AIA Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, and Preserve Minneapolis, the annual award recognizes projects, individuals, and organizations that celebrate the heritage and historic character of Minneapolis. In the Historic Restoration category, projects are nominated for returning an existing space to its original design or blending old and new elements to create a space that respects, but also differs from, the original design.

Opened in 1962, Terminal 1 at MSP is defined by a long-span, folded-plate concrete “super-shed” structure that expresses the clarity of mid-century aviation architecture. This iconic structure has been welcoming passengers to Minnesota for decades, as passenger volumes grew from 1.8 million passengers in 1970 to a record peak of 39.4 million in 2019. The Operational Improvements Program carefully renovated this iconic terminal, honoring its modernist clarity while responding to current passenger expectations and security requirements, integrating contemporary technology systems, amenities, and art.

Working in close partnership with the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Alliiance led the planning and design of the project, in collaboration with numerous project partners: Kraus-Anderson, Meyer Borgman Johnson, Inspec, Michaud Cooley Erickson, Schuler Shook, TKDA, Kimley-Horn, 4RM+ULA, Thornton Tomasetti, BNP, VDA, Entro Communications, Field Environmental, Terracon, Via Partnership, Idibri, and Jen Lewin Studio.

Utilizing a data-driven, strategic design, the project unified multiple past expansions of the terminal, weaving together old and new elements from curbside to baggage claim. Alongside improvements to efficiency, accessibility, sustainability, and placemaking in the terminal, the Operational Improvements Program renovated the interior of the signature folded-plate structure to protect the structure’s performance and appearance. This completed work complements a separate, ongoing rehabilitation project for the exterior of the folded plate roof.

The Terminal 1 Operational Improvements Program resulted in a coherent, future-ready terminal that demonstrates how careful design, architecture, workmanship, and materials can transform a complex, layered place while honoring its enduring spirit. Alliiance is proud to have this work recognized with a 2026 Minneapolis Preservation Award for its respect for and contribution to the character of Minneapolis.

Learn more about the award here.