As part of the large project, the company is building the four World Clubs, which offer amenities such as private rooms and work space for people traveling on business. The clubs have changing rooms with lockers, better food than an ordinary airport terminal, large screen TVs, work stations, nicer furniture, stock tickers and even fireplaces.
"We want our business people to relax in an environment that is very comfortable, and where they can do business on the go," says Mary Beth Schuber, a Northwest spokeswoman.
The company already has three World Clubs at the main Metro Airport Smith and Davey terminals, totaling 22,000 sf, with the largest being 11,000 sf. When the new clubs are finished, Northwest will offer 36,000 sf with four clubs, with the largest being 18,000 sf.
It's costing the airline about $350 per sf to $390 per square foot to construct the new World Clubs. Walbridge Aldinger Co. of Detroit is the general contractor and Architectural Alliance Inc. of Minneapolis is the architect.
The 18,000-sf club will be along the main drag of the Midfield Terminal. Two will be located at each end, and the last will be part of the Northwest Airlink terminal on the west side.
Schuber says about 70,000 people are World Club members. The new terminal will feature 99 gates, 18 luggage carousels, an 11,500 space parking garage, an Express Tram system and more than 80 shops and restaurants in an open and spacious environment. Part of a public-private partnership between Wayne County and Northwest Airlines, the project has approximately nine months remaining in a five-year design and construction process. More than 1,200 workers are now involved in building the terminal.
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