PGAL Leads Design for Reno–Tahoe International Airport’s New Ground Transportation Center as Construction Gets Underway
The Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), Conrac Solutions (a Meridiam company), Webcor/Q&D Construction JV, and design lead PGAL have officially broken ground on the new Ground Transportation + Rental Car Center at Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO). The facility will consolidate rental car operations and create a single, efficient hub for all ground transportation services, improving convenience and connectivity for passengers throughout Northern Nevada.
The groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the airport’s MoreRNO infrastructure program, a multi-year initiative focused on modernizing facilities and supporting long-term regional growth. Once complete, the Ground Transportation Center will bring together rental cars, rideshare, shuttle, and taxi services in a single location connected directly to the terminal, improving circulation and reducing congestion across the airport campus.
Located adjacent to the baggage claim area, the four-level complex will include a 78,000-square-foot Ground Transportation Center, three levels of consolidated rental car facilities with approximately 1,200 parking spaces, and a Quick Turnaround Area at ground level for fueling, vacuuming, maintenance, and fleet operations. A covered 750-foot pedestrian walkway will provide safe, weather-protected access between the terminal and the new facility. The project will also return nearly 600 parking spaces in the existing garage to public use, creating new opportunities for future terminal expansion.
PGAL’s design emphasizes operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term flexibility. The facility will feature water-efficient car wash systems, LED lighting with daylight harvesting and motion sensors, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and provisions for future solar canopy integration. To maintain continuous airport operations during construction, PGAL is coordinating with RTAA and Conrac Solutions on a series of enabling projects, including the relocation of an airfield access gate, airline tenant areas, and several support facilities such as snow removal, storage, and equipment staging areas.
“This groundbreaking represents a transformative step for Reno–Tahoe International Airport,” said Jeff Weiner, AIA, Principal at PGAL. “Our team is proud to partner with the Airport Authority, Conrac Solutions and our design-build partners, Webcor and Q&D Construction, to deliver a sustainable, passenger-focused facility that modernizes the travel experience and supports the region’s continued growth.”
The Ground Transportation Center is being delivered through a public-private partnership with the Reno–Tahoe Airport Authority, the rental car industry, and Conrac Solutions. Construction is underway, with completion expected in 2028.