TPG Executive Editorial Director Scott Mayerowitz was in Chicago last week for United Airlines’ annual media day. As he waited for his flight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), he snapped the photo, below.Photo by Scott Mayerowitz / The Points GuyAs mentioned in the “Coming Soon” sign above, local engineering and design firm Epstein has been tapped by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which manages O’Hare and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), to oversee the construction of new and upgraded tunnels, originally constructed in 1977.Leaks in the tunnels during heavy rains has caused damage that forced CDA to repeatedly close tunnels for maintenance, taking a toll on the tunnel interiors. After putting out a request for bids in August 2019, CDA awarded a contract to Epstein to fix the tunnels and give them a theme inspired by the city of Chicago.Related reading: Upgrades Coming to Chicago O’Hare as Terminal 5 Construction BeginsThe construction company did a major evaluation of the airport’s seven pedestrian tunnels including 3-D laser scanning surveys of the tunnel interiors and investigating the potential source of water infiltration. Once that was completed, Epstein began working on systems including:Replacing failed or collapsed storm sewers systemsReplacing deteriorated sidewalk surfaces in the Terminal areasReplacing tunnel architectural wall and ceiling finishesReplacing concrete walls and ceilingsReplacing existing architectural finishes and doing architectural renovationsEpstein’s architects worked with the CDA on the tunnel design. Each tunnel’s theme will follow the same color scheme of the terminals they are leading to, according to the firm. Terminal 1 will have blue gradient wallpaper and images of the Chicago skyline, lake, river and flag. Terminal 2 will have orange gradient wallpaper with images from the Chicago Theater District. Terminal 3 will have green gradient wallpaper with images from the city’s parks and green roofs.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.The project is part of O’Hare 21, the city’s $8.5 billion project that includes the new O’Hare Global Terminal, expected to open in 2028.
