$20 million QC Airport Renovation Moves Forward with Estes
February 11, 2026
Quad Cities International Airport has selected Estes Construction of Davenport, Iowa, as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY, the airport’s multi-year terminal renovation program. Estes was selected through an open and competitive bid process and will work alongside Wisconsin-based design firm Mead & Hunt.
Phase 2 is expected to break ground in March and will take approximately 18 months to complete. The $20 million project focuses on extensive renovations to the public side of the terminal and represents the most construction-intensive and passenger-visible phase of the modernization effort. The project will be funded through existing airport capital, with federal funding applications currently in process.
Planned improvements include updated restrooms that exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards, including adult changing tables, new restrooms in the baggage claim area, nursing mothers’ suites, refreshed restaurant, café and gift shop spaces with new concepts and layouts, expanded lounge areas and seating, and replacement of the terminal’s brick flooring with smooth terrazzo, and new carpeting to improve durability, accessibility and passenger flow.
“This next phase will have the most visible and lasting impact on our terminal,” said Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., executive director of Quad Cities International Airport. “Using local expertise and local labor has been a priority from the beginning. Selecting a well-respected Quad Cities-based construction management team like Estes aligns with our commitment to invest in the region while delivering a modern, functional facility for our passengers.”
Phase 2 is part of a carefully sequenced, multi-phase construction plan designed to keep the airport fully operational throughout the renovation. Construction activities will be further phased within the terminal to limit disruptions to passengers, airlines and tenants.
“We’re honored to be selected as the construction partner for Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY,” said Kent Pilcher, CEO of Estes Construction. “This project represents an ongoing investment in our region’s future. Airports are often one of the first impressions that visitors have of a community, and we’re proud to help create a welcoming gateway that supports regionalism, tourism and connects people with opportunity”.
Phase 2 of this project will also have an IMPACT construction agreement, meaning skilled and well-trained union partners will complete this project to ensure high quality, cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies. “Estes Construction completed the first IMPACT construction agreement project in 1989 in partnership with the Quad-City Times and is looking forward to collaborating with our regional trade partners to deliver Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY”, said Pilcher.
Project GATEWAY will modernize the terminal last updated in 1985, before the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Transportation Security Administration and the widespread use of rollaboard luggage. Earlier work focused on infrastructure and operational improvements needed to support future construction, while later phases will complete remaining curbside and post-security enhancements.