Manhattan Construction Company Design-Build Team Wins 2026 DBIA Florida Region HONOR – AVIATION Award for Tampa International Airport Modernization Project
The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority’s modernization of passenger circulation at Tampa International Airport has been recognized with the HONOR – AVIATION award in the 2026 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Florida Region Project Awards. Delivered by Manhattan Construction Company in partnership with C&S Companies, the Tampa International Airport Monorail Decommissioning and Moving Walkways Installation project transformed passenger movement between the airport’s long-term and short-term parking garages and the main terminal.
The project included demolition of an aging elevated monorail system and the installation of 12 moving walkways across approximately 150,000 square feet of parking structure space. It also created a direct, ADA-accessible pathway and enabled the reconfiguration of the garage to support nearly 500 additional parking spaces, improving both passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
“Our team adopted an ‘airport first, construction second’ approach,” said Mike Miller, vice president of operations, Manhattan Construction Company. “One of the most challenging pieces was replacing critical infrastructure without interrupting operations. Through adaptive phasing and real-time coordination, we were able to protect passenger flow, parking revenue, and safety while delivering a significant upgrade to the airport.”
“I’m especially proud of the team’s high-tech approach to proactively addressing risks related to the existing post-tensioned structure,” Miller said. “They used full-site scanning and engineered solutions before construction began, resulting in 2,200 anchor penetrations completed with zero cable strikes, protecting the structure and avoiding costly impacts.”
DBIA’s Florida Region awards program recognizes projects that deliver measurable improvements in cost, schedule, and operational performance through collaborative project delivery. The award was presented during the 2026 DBIA Florida Region Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on June 16, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida.
Key Facts
- Award: 2026 Design-Build Institute of America Florida Region Awards, HONOR – AVIATION [Home – Design Build Institute of America Florida Region]
- Project: Tampa International Airport Monorail Decommissioning and Moving Walkways Installation [Homepage | Tampa International Airport]
- Owner: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority [About HCAA | Tampa International Airport]
- Design-Builder: Manhattan Construction Company [What We Do – About Manhattan Construction Company]
- Design Partner: C&S Companies [C&S Companies]
- Project outcome: Improved passenger circulation, enhanced accessibility, and additional parking capacity
- Awards presentation: June 16, 2026, Florida Design-Build Conference, Orlando, Florida
Key Questions Answered
What was announced?
The Tampa International Airport Monorail Decommissioning and Moving Walkways Installation project received the HONOR – AVIATION award in the 2026 DBIA Florida Region Awards.
Why is this significant?
The DBIA awards recognize projects that demonstrate effective design-build delivery through improved performance, innovation, and collaboration. This project demonstrated these outcomes in a complex, active airport environment.
Who does this impact?
The project benefits Tampa International Airport passengers, airport operations, and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority by improving access, reducing reliance on outdated infrastructure, and supporting long-term growth.
Where can readers learn more?
More information is available at: