Massive renovation of DFW Airport begins with parking garage closures

Photo courtesy of DFW Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has begun a renovation that marks the airport's biggest investment since it first opened in 1974. The plan, called DFW Forward, will invest $9 billion in capital improvements that a release says will transform terminals, increase the number of gates, enhance the airfield, and improve roadways.

Highlights include rebuilding Terminal C; more gates for Terminal A and C; and a rebuilding of Terminal C's parking garage.

UPDATE 1/15/2025: Demolition of the parking garage at Terminal C has begun.
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As part of that parking garage rebuilding, the entrance to the Terminal C south parking garage, adjacent to Gates C26 to C39, is scheduled to close September 14 — to prepare for demolition and reconstruction of a new, larger garage. The closure will be followed by a 30-day period for parked vehicles to exit the garage. Terminal C’s north and central parking garages will remain open.

The Express South parking lot has also closed.

Rebuilding Terminal C
This $3 billion project will transform the airport’s busiest and most outdated terminal by removing more than 400 view-blocking columns, installing glass windows, and raising the roof. Woot woot.

There'll be new shops and restaurants, lounge space, check-in areas, security checkpoints, and improved restrooms.

On the topic of restrooms, one hopes the improved restrooms will include an increase in the number of women's restrooms. DFW Airport is woefully behind the times in its allotment of women's restrooms. A typical gateside women's restroom at DFW Airport has four stalls — a sign if there ever were one that DFW Airport's design team is staffed by men.

More gates at A and C
Taking place concurrently with the first phase of Terminal C’s reconstruction will be double-loaded pier expansions of both Terminal C and Terminal A, with four more gates for Terminal C; and five gates for Terminal A.

They'll also add restaurant and retail, seating areas, and restrooms. One hopes that means an increase in the number of women's restrooms. Have you ever noticed at DFW Airport that there is almost always a line for the women's restsrooms but never a line for the men's restrooms? It's always a hot topic in the line for the women's restrooms.

The remainder of the Terminal C concourse will be demolished and rebuilt in two additional phases. This will allow the terminal to continue flights in other areas of the facility. The project will be done in several phases over time, with a completion date forecast for 2030.

Parking garage
In coordination with Terminal C’s first construction phase, the adjacent south parking garage will be completely rebuilt. They'll add more parking plus modern parking management technologies. The entrance to the Terminal C south garage is scheduled to close September 14; Terminal C's north and central parking garages will remain open. Customers are encouraged to book parking online ahead of travel to ensure the best rates and check live availability of parking garages and lots before or upon arrival.

Introducing: The people who design the restrooms
The design-build team for the Terminal C project’s first phase and expansion, as well as the Terminal A expansion, is a joint venture comprised of Austin Commercial, Azteca Enterprises, and Alpha & Omega, with HOK and Muller & Muller, Ltd. as design team members. One hopes they'll be increasing the ratio of restrooms designated for women.

DART rail
One project not in the works that would enhance the airport experience is increased access to public transportation. Right now, there is DART rail service to DFW, but the only terminal that DART stops at is Terminal A. You're then expected to trundle out to DFW's inefficient People Mover system if you need to get to another gate. What a blessing it would be if DFW Airport and DART Rail could unite to create more stops at DFW Aiport on DART's airport line.

Other projects
Other large projects underway include:

DFW’s sixth Terminal F that will include 15 gates
a Skylink station
The International Parkway Modernization project which will reposition exits to Terminals A, B, and C to be on the right side and not the left
East West Connector Roadway: A new east-west throughfare on the southside of the airport to connect Rental Car Drive to State Highway 360
Southwest End-Around Taxiway Project: DFW’s third end-around taxiway is currently under a multi-phase construction program to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements
19th Street Cargo Redevelopment: Seven new positions — designed for some of the world’s largest aircraft — to double cargo aircraft capacity. Cargo is a big profit center.

In a statement, DFW CEO Sean Donohue says that "a new era is now beginning at DFW."

"As we grow closer to serving 100 million passengers each year, it’s time for DFW to enhance our remaining legacy terminal and imagine brand new ones," Donohue says.

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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Massive renovation of DFW Airport begins with parking garage closures

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