H. J. Russell & Company Leads in Modular Construction for Aviation

H. J. Russell & Company (Russell), a leading minority and family-owned real estate development and construction services firm, has made aviation infrastructure history by becoming the first North American company to undertake modular construction projects at two domestic airports. Leveraging over 70 years of experience in airport environments, Russell applies its expertise in program management (PM), construction management (CM), and construction management at risk (CMaR) to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and create inspiring airport spaces.

Groundbreaking Projects with Modular Construction

Russell’s latest project, launched in spring 2024, involves a $1.4 billion expansion of Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. Acting as the program manager, Russell aims to add gates while minimizing disruptions to airport operations and maintaining revenue generation during construction. A major milestone is set for January 2025, with the transport of additional building modules to the North Pier.

“By using modular construction, we’ve been able to reduce the total gate downtime by 46 months,” explained Curtis Wilson, PMP, Vice President of Transportation & Infrastructure at Russell. “This reduction in downtime helps avoid revenue losses of approximately $400 million and enhances the overall passenger experience.”

Russell’s first foray into modular construction was the 2022 completion of the High C Gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. This project included five gates, spanning 80,000 square feet, designed to accommodate American Airlines’ narrow-body and regional jets. As a joint venture partner, Russell played a pivotal role in demolishing and rebuilding the Terminal C High C Gates using prefabricated modules.

These 900,000-pound modules, constructed offsite, featured steel frames, glass walls, concrete floors, and insulated metal panels. The project demonstrated exceptional logistics, as each module was transported nearly a mile across the airfield and carefully placed at the terminal.

The completed High C Gates are nearly 30% larger than other gates at DFW, boasting dynamic self-tinting windows, smart restrooms, and advanced digital wayfinding systems.

The Advantages of Modular Construction

“Modular construction allows seamless transformation of high-traffic, high-revenue spaces like airports without disrupting operations,” said Damian Lee, General Manager of Russell’s Texas operations. “This method addresses complex challenges such as logistics, regulatory compliance, and integration with existing infrastructure.”

Broader Aviation Expertise

Russell’s expertise extends to airports across Atlanta, Nashville, Miami, Seattle-Tacoma, Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and New York (JFK). Through its sister company, Concessions International, LLC, Russell operates 25 concessions across eight airports in the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, further demonstrating its footprint in aviation infrastructure.

About H. J. Russell & Company

Founded in 1952, H. J. Russell & Company has grown into one of the largest minority-owned real estate development and construction firms in the U.S. Known for its ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects, Russell delivers integrated solutions that drive efficiency and innovation in construction and infrastructure development.

For more information, download Russell’s e-book, A Business Case for Modular Construction at Airports, and explore their groundbreaking work at Concourse D and High C Gates through the provided photography links.

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