About the Project
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (HMT1) is a $1.5 billion, 900,000 SF progressive design-build project that involved the complete demolition and reconstruction of SFO Terminal 1’s central terminal space. The project delivered new spaces for passenger check-in, TSA security checkpoints, a recompose area, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system (the first Independent Carrier System in the U.S.), a new baggage claim area, new gates, a secure connector to the International Terminal and customs area, and a mezzanine connected to the AirTrain and central garage.
Design and construction of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 took place over a 10-year span, with the project opening in phases. The project began Phase 1 by demolishing half of the terminal’s arrivals, departures, and mezzanine levels to rebuild it from the ground up while maintaining 24/7 airport operations. Phase 1A, which included the new TSA checkpoint, opened in July 2019 to support the opening of nine new gates. Phase 1B opened half of the new terminal in June 2020 and included new ticketing and baggage claim operations. Phase 2 began after Phase 1B had completed and included the demolition and rebuilding of the second half of the terminal.
When construction began, SFO Terminal 1 was one of the oldest terminals, which meant it wasn’t meeting the needs of modern travelers. Today, Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has been recognized for its enhanced passenger experience, welcoming travelers with a state-of-the-art ticketing lobby, spacious waiting areas filled with natural light, a curated selection of Bay Area restaurants and shops, and dozens of custom works of art. As the first airport terminal in the world named for an LGBTQ+ leader, HMT1 honors Harvey Milk’s legacy and invites travelers to learn about his life and impact through a dedicated exhibit in the central inglenook.
The terminal has set the standard for sustainable terminals worldwide by achieving Fitwel Certification and LEED Platinum Certification, all while using 60% less energy than comparable facilities. The SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 project represents a transformative chapter in the evolution of San Francisco International Airport, a project that redefines what an airport terminal can be for travelers, the community and the industry.
Awards
2025
- Prix Versailles 2025 World’s Most Beautiful Airports
- Architizer A+ Awards Transportation: Transport Interiors – Popular Choice Winner
2022
- International Partnering Institute (IPI) Partnered Project of the Year: Building and Infrastructure over $250M – Diamond Level Award
- AIA San Francisco People’s Choice Award: Over $10 Million
- AIA California Design Award – Climate Action Award
2021
- Fitwel Best in Building Health Awards: 2020 Highest Scoring Projects: Retail v2.1 Design
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