March/April 2024 - 24

PROJECT OF THE MONTH
The presence of Snoopy in a dogfight with the
Red Baron, as depicted in the terminal, pays
tribute to Schulz.
from a triple-wide modular trailer.
Tim Dacey, Architecture Business
Unit Leader at Mead & Hunt, highlighted
the urgent need for expansion
and renovation, " The original terminal
was nearing the end of its unrenovated
life. We embarked on a journey to reimagine
the space, adding approximately
30,000 square feet and renovating existing
structures to create a modern and
functional terminal. "
The modernization program completed
in 2023 provided eight new
gates, airside concessions, a security
checkpoint, baggage claim, rental car
area, ticketing hall upgrades, baggage
screening and make-up, airline and TSA
offices, apron, and landside improvements.
A total of 30,000 SF of new construction
was added to the renovated
11,000 SF terminal.
Inspired Design Elements
The Sonoma Wine Country vernacular
was adapted into the building forms and
detailing - providing light filled monumental
spaces. Carbon reducing wood
trusses and a cross-laminated timber
(CLT) roof deck were implemented.
Wine barrel staves from local wineries
were incorporated into the gate counters,
and other art installations capture local
creative talents.
Mead & Hunt Project Architect Erik
Schroeder emphasized the importance
of incorporating elements that capture
the essence of Sonoma County's wine
country, " The design drew inspiration
from agrarian and industrial structures
found in the region, using materials
like wood and steel trusses to create a
sense of place and celebrate the local
heritage. " The terminal's main forms
were designed to reflect the character
and nature of wine country, with large,
barn-like structures evoking the region's
wineries. The project includes a landside
observation area of the airfield from
within the terminal.
The legacy of Charles M. Schulz,
creator of the beloved Peanuts comic
strip, is deeply intertwined with the
fabric of Sonoma County. His contributions
to the community, both as an
artist and a philanthropist, have left a
mark on the region. At the Charles M.
Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, honoring
his namesake was not only a tribute
to his remarkable achievements but also
a celebration of the local heritage.
" Charles Schulz had his primary
studios in Santa Rosa and was deeply
involved in community activities. His
connection to the airport, as a pilot and
through his son Craig, made it fitting to
24 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / MARCH/APRIL 2024
name the airport after him, " Stout said.
The redevelopment project provided
an opportunity to integrate Peanutsthemed
elements into the airport terminal,
further embracing Schulz's legacy.
" We worked with Creative Sonoma
and the Peanuts museum to incorporate
artwork into the terminal. This included
tile mosaics at restroom entrances featuring
Peanuts characters, vinyl characters
in the no-pass-back exit system, and
a bronze statue of Charlie Brown and
Linus, " Stout said.
The inclusion of Peanuts-themed
features was not merely decorative
but aimed at enhancing the passenger
experience.
" We wanted to create a sense of
motion, so we worked with Peanuts
to install vinyl characters depicting the
characters in motion. Additionally, we
suspended models of Snoopy and the
Red Baron in the rental car area, creating
an immersive experience for passengers. "
The inclusion of Peanuts-themed elements
not only pays homage to Schulz's
artistic legacy but also celebrates his connection
to aviation.
" The presence of Snoopy in a dogfight
with the Red Baron, as depicted in our
terminal, pays tribute to Schulz's aviation
passion and adds a unique touch to the
airport experience, " Stout said.
March/April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March/April 2024
