The city of Chicago and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) have broken ground on concourse D at O’Hare International Airport, set to be a green public realm area welcoming millions of passengers every year. 

The first new building in O’Hare’s transformative ORDNext expansion, which has been underway since 2019, the $1.8bn concourse will feature zones for rest, dining, retail and play.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA), and Arup, it will be built to improve operational flow for passengers landing or laying over in Chicago. 

Michael McMurray of the CDA explains that this is a step forward in the O’Hare 21 programme:

“The program will elevate the passenger experience, improve connections between domestic and international flights, and increase the airport’s footprint to accommodate future growth.”

Scott Duncan, SOM design partner also comments:

“From skylit spaces to orchard-inspired columns, every element contributes to a bright, easy-to-navigate environment designed to elevate the travel experience and leave a lasting impression of O’Hare.

Completion is expected in late 2028 while planning work for concourse E is still underway designed by the same team.