Client

San Franciscos Int'l Airport (SFO)

Sector

Aviation

Location

San Francisco, CA

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San Francisco International Airport

Modernizing one of the busiest terminals in the country—while keeping eight gates live and operational the entire time.

That was the challenge SFO faced with the $2.4B Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Redevelopment program. RED BRICK was tapped to lead a critical portion of this program: the $120M Interim Boarding Area B (IBAB).

It wasn’t just about building new. It was about building around active TSA checkpoints, tight gate transitions, and a live, high-pressure environment—with zero room for error and massive public visibility.

Unique Challenges faced by SFO

We provided full Project Management Support Services, including construction management, controls, agency coordination, and stakeholder leadership. But here’s what we really did:

Limited space, tight timelines, active operations

SOLUTION: Kept 8 gates open during construction, 9 active by completion—with no unplanned downtime

SOLUTION: Built and phased a full temporary checkpoint with TSA-provided lanes, screening, and recomposure areas

SOLUTION: Delivered seamless transitions for concessions, signage, art, hydration, and public restrooms without service disruption

SOLUTION: Led execution of $80M International Gate Enhancement program—maximizing utilization and readiness

SOLUTION: Aligned all workstreams through logistics, commissioning, and ORAT (Operational Readiness and Transfer) programs

Outcomes Delivered to SFO

Interim Boarding Area B (IBAB):
  • Rebuilt passenger boarding bridges, holdrooms, restrooms, and TSA checkpoint
  • Managed demolition, utility realignment, and gate realignment—all while gates remained active
  • Coordinated structural, MEP, technology, and fire/life safety upgrades
 
International Gate Enhancement Program ($80M):
  • Reconfigured and modernized gates to accommodate wide-body, Group 5 aircraft
  • Boosted operational efficiency and maximized gate flexibility

Wayfinding + Admin Campus + ORAT:
  • Led implementation of airport-wide signage and wayfinding strategy
  • Supported development of SFO’s consolidated administrative campus
  • Directed readiness and commissioning strategy across all new infrastructure

Why Red Brick

You don’t bring us in to babysit Gantt charts.

You bring us in when public visibility is high, the pressure is real, and failure is not an option.

At SFO, we didn’t just manage a project.

We protected the airport’s operations, reputation, and passengers every step of the way.

We understand airport environments, federal coordination, and how to phase construction around real lives—not just blueprints.