Urban was pleased to attend the groundbreaking of the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility at Newark Liberty International Airport. Urban is serving as the civil engineer for the design-build team for this 2.7 million-square-foot development that brings all 10 rental brands at Newark under one roof, conveniently located adjacent to the Terminal One Redevelopment Project.

“We are proud to have been a part of the design team on this great new project that will enhance this airport hub, which is one of the busiest in the nation,” said Dale Russell, PE, Urban’s deputy practice leader for aviation. “Our firm recognizes the importance of improved airport facilities, and this new modern parking garage will improve efficiency for those coming to and flying out of Newark.”

The ConRAC facility will be constructed on a 19.31-acre site, with 2,925 public parking spaces and 3,380 rental car spaces to support 10 rent-a-car brands. It incorporates retail operations with customer wayfinding and traffic circulation, provides vehicle fleet storage and enhanced security, and features shared components including 15 car washes and 54 fueling positions along with vacuum systems, waste management, and service bays. The project employs several sustainability initiatives, including a solar roof, electric vehicle charging stations, LED efficient lighting, and water reclamation and air quality systems.

A key project goal of the ConRAC developers is workforce investment, development, and inclusivity. Up to $350 million is slated to be spent in the local economy, with as much as 95% of the project to be completed by local subcontractors and vendors. Completion of the public parking area is anticipated in 2021, with the ConRAC opening to the public in 2023.

“This facility will provide efficiency and convenience for all Newark Airport travelers, not just rental car customers,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “With the new Terminal One project, Newark will be host to an even greater volume of travelers with much-improved amenities and operations, and the ConRAC will be there to support them.”

The unique financing structure for the deal is the anticipated model for ConRACs at airports throughout the nation. Equity partners will supply financing and be repaid solely out of proceeds received from the Customer Facility Charge applied to rental car transactions. The deal includes a fixed-price, date-certain, and fully bonded design-build contract for construction with a joint venture of Austin Commercial, Inc. and VRH Construction Corporation. The project structure includes all design, construction, financing, operations, maintenance, and lifecycle management throughout construction and the 35-year lease period.