urbanSTL

sc4mayor:
That link is paywalled so here are the details.  Consultants provided three options for improving Lambert.  One was a "no build" re-arranging, two was decommissioning the East Terminal and consolidating everything in a fully renovated Main Terminal and the third option was a full new terminal.

Option One ($141 million).  Southwest is consolidated into T1 and "others" are moved to T2.

Terminal 1's security checkpoints would be relocated to the same level as the check-in hall, allowing for greater airline operational flexibility between its three concourses. (Two concourses, called B and D, are not used for air service).  The report also envisioned adding new retail nodes at the entrances of Concourses A and C, and a new customs facility within Concourse B, replacing the current facility in Terminal 2.  Positives include that "demand would be better balanced across the terminal campus, with capacity available to enable future growth by all carriers. Current pressure on curbside access at Terminal 2 would be relieved," the report said.  Among the downsides are that congestion could be seen at check-in and passenger screening. "The building envelope of Concourse B constrains space for future expansion and limits space for restrooms and offices," it said.

Option Two ($1.1 billion):

It calls for demolishing Concourse D, and decommissioning Concourse E in Terminal 2. Concourses A and C would be widened by 100 feet "to accommodate future up-gauge of aircraft," and Concourse C would be extended to the west. Concourse B would be refurbished with four contact gates. Two international gates would be built between Concourses B and C.  And existing security screening processes would all be moved to the upper level.  The plan also calls for rebuilding the Terminal 1 garage, and building a 4,350-space garage on the site of the existing parking lot A.

Option Three (New Terminal - $2 billion):

A new-build concept would provide "a modern structure for consolidated operations," the report said, adding that it would have 45 contact gates and two ground loading gates, with the ability to expand to 52 gates. It would encompass two levels, with departure and arrivals on the same level. A new pedestrian walking bridge could be built to connect the new facility with the MetroLink stop.  And the current Terminal 1, considered architecturally significant, "could be repurposed as new non-aeronautical development," such as a hotel, the report said.  A new six-level parking facility would be located across from the terminal, accommodating 4,830 spaces. And a new 1,800-space rental car facility would be located in the garage.  It could prove complicated, though. The document says three terminals could be in operation at once during construction, and existing movement on aircraft apron, or the area where planes are parked, would be disrupted.

Edit:  My two cents...I also would be fine with Option One.  I think moving SWA to T1 and a really high quality renovation to bring the terminal up to modern standards would solve a lot of the airport's issues in my opinion.  The main hall itself is already a fine centerpiece. 

I also like the idea of a brand new consolidated terminal in Option Three and I like the location they picked out here in terms of connecting to MetroLink and the garages...plus the rental car improvements.  But my dream of a new terminal at Lambert has always been for a mid-field terminal closer to 11/29 with access from Lindbergh Blvd.  Pros, you can basically isolate the rest of the airport's operations from construction effects, the airport can finally put 11/29 to good use too.  Cons, no good MetroLink access, land acquisition, lots of new infrastructure would need to be built etc.  Option Two would be my last choice too.