Location: LaGuardia Airport, East Elmhurst, NY 11371
Year: 2023
At LaGuardia Airport’s Central Hall, Turner Construction partnered with
JPMorgan Chase and Gensler to create the Chase Sapphire Lounge, a 25,000
square foot two story hospitality destination redefining the airport experience.
Completed in October 2023, this sophisticated space offers travelers access to
an 11,000 square foot restaurant with a full kitchen, coworking and conference
areas, private suites, children’s playroom, game lounge, and multiple coffee and
beverage stations, all unified by an atmosphere of comfort and elevated design.
Under the leadership of Project Executive Kathleen Smyth, the team transformed
a structurally complex environment into a seamless, high-end space within one of
New York City’s most logistically constrained aviation hubs. Kathleen guided
every phase from preconstruction strategy to execution, balancing design intent,
technical coordination, and stakeholder collaboration. She oversaw significant
base building modifications, including partial slab demolition, new structural
framing, and vertical integration of services to create the lounge’s signature
atrium and open volumes.
The project exemplified innovation through the use of laser scanning and digital
layout technology, enabling the team to map 7,370 linear feet in just six days with
one sixteenth inch precision, improving productivity by over 60 percent. This
forward-thinking approach ensured accuracy, reduced rework, and upheld
Turner's commitment to quality and efficiency.
Embodying Built by Women, Kathleen’s leadership reflects how women are
shaping the construction landscape through innovation, precision, and inclusion.
Her mentorship fostered growth among emerging women professionals, while
her expertise delivered an aviation landmark that enhances traveler experience
and represents the power of women led impact in New York’s built environment.