CHS West Gates and Connector
Project Stats
- Location
Charleston, South Carolina
- Size
67,000 SF
- Market
- Expertise
A gateway to the Lowcountry
A celebrated year-round destination, Charleston is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, pristine beaches, scenic coastal landscapes, and locally-sourced cuisine. In recent years, the city has experienced remarkable growth driven by robust economic development and a steady rise in tourism throughout the region — demand that has ultimately necessitated a significant expansion at Charleston International Airport (CHS).
In response to this growth and increasing air travel demand around the Lowcountry, Corgan, with its expertise in aviation planning and airport terminal design, was a natural choice to evaluate, plan, and design the new West Gates Expansion.
What began as a temporary modular terminal turned into a permanent, unique passenger experience project that embodies the spirit and character of Charleston itself. The more than 640,000 square-foot faciltity includes four new gates, international arrival capabilities, and interiors distinctively rooted in the Lowcountry. The expansion expresses the warmth and signature hospitality of the region while positioning CHS as a leading travel destination for the Southeast.
A suite of new airport facilities
Dubbed the West Gate Expansion, the project delivers a comprehensive suite of new facilities that will increase the airport gate capacity by 25 percent, better meeting the area’s growing air travel demand. The large-scale extension encompasses a new terminal and commercial service apron, four additional gates with spacious hold rooms, and international arriving passenger connectivity to existing Federal Inspection Services.
The airy, 12-foot hold room ceilings and sweeping airfield views culminate to create an environment built for comfort and efficiency while significantly elevating the CHS traveler experience.
Maintaining operational continuity throughout all phases of construction remained a central priority of the project. Through close collaboration with airline partners, key stakeholders, the airport, and the FAA, Corgan developed strategic design solutions and comprehensive phasing plans to ensure uninterrupted airport operations while facilitating a seamless transition from existing facilities to the new West Gate environment scheduled to complete in December 2026.
Designs rooted in South Carolina identity
At the heart of the design is a commitment to reflect the identity of Charleston and the Lowcountry’s rich history, natural beauty, and sense of place. Cultural tones are woven throughout the design narrative, inspired by landscapes and textures that define the region.
The color palette ranges from light wood finishes reminiscent of sandy beaches and soft blues that recall the skies of Charleston to varying greens that pay homage to the greenery and marshlands of the Lowcountry. Soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and spacious walkways create a welcoming atmosphere of modernity — the perfect first and last impression for travelers visiting the Holy City from around the world.
The new Charleston International Airport West Gates are thoughtfully designed to support the region’s continued growth while honoring the rich history and cultural identity that define the city by seamlessly weaving these elements throughout every aspect of the passenger experience.
