DFW International Airport ranks as the fourth busiest airport in the world. With over 175,000 daily passengers and 64,000 workers throughout the airport, maintaining safety and security is a significant responsibility for DFW’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and yet the 1970’s-era facility was too small and outdated for modern-day needs. The JE Dunn-PGAL design-build team delivered a new state of the art public safety headquarters facility supporting multiple DPS user groups including Police, Fire, Special Services, FBI, and Criminal Investigation. This two-story 130,000 SF, concrete tilt-wall structure includes a large cafeteria, state-of-the-art training rooms, briefing rooms, office space, classrooms, locker rooms, a fitness facility, records storage, secure evidence lab and a property room. Also included is a 6,500 SF detention holding area with 12 cells for men and women, a faraday room, a sally port with interlocks, a central monitoring station with one-way glass, automated access control, and detainee interview rooms. The project was completed on time and on budget.
Design-Build Collaboration at Work
As DFW Airport’s first design-build project, DFW Airport challenged JE Dunn-PGAL to
execute a highly collaborative, yet efficient project delivery. The team hosted over 90 DFW DPS stakeholders in an early vision (Value Proposition Canvas) workshop. As a result, the entire DPS employee base was integrated into the design process and offered valuable input. The team also engaged MWBE firms at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tier subcontracting levels in both the design and construction phases through one-on-one meetings, open houses, social media, phone contacts, and “Meet and Greet” pre-bid events leading to an impressive 36% MWBE participation. Unforeseen challenges were addressed efficiently, and additional scope was added with no schedule impacts. The result is a world-class, public safety facility that will meet the unique needs of the Airport far into the 21st Century.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | DFW International Airport |
| Design-Build Firm: | JE Dunn Construction |
| General Contractor: | JE Dunn Construction |
| Architect: | PGAL |
| Engineer: | Pacheco Koch |
| Specialty Contractors: | TD Industries |
| Construction Duration: | 16 Months |
| Project Cost: | $56,300,000.00 |
Photo Credit: Craig D. Blackmon, FAIA