STV’s Program Management/Construction Management (PM/CM) team is making significant strides in the $2.55 billion United Airlines George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Terminal B redevelopment program, modernizing the original 1969 airport for millions of annual passengers.

In addition to the construction of a new, 22-gate concourse, the expansion and renovation of a passenger processing facility, and curbside and roadway modifications, the program also dedicates a significant portion of its funding to enhance the space with public art.

As PM/CM, STV is managing the public/civic art for the terminal: identifying local artists to be featured in the space, weighing in on content creation, developing solicitations, as well as managing the artwork schedule and installation.

The terminal’s art installation plan includes two large murals from Houston local, Dixie Friend Gay that will greet travelers as they walk through baggage claim, as well as several immersive digital canvases within the terminal itself.

“I feel very personally invested in the program,” said Jamie LeBlanc, STV senior marketing manager and longtime Houston resident. “The history and scope of the airport’s artwork has inspired all of us to uphold the airport’s welcoming environment.”

For the third year in a row, Houston Airport System was the recipient of the Best Art in the Airport award by Skytrax, a premier international air transport rating organization. Houston Airport System has one of the largest public arts collections in the aviation industry, boasting more than 400 pieces.

Murals by Dixie Friend Gay

Dixie Friend Gay has a longstanding relationship with IAH. In 2002, she unveiled her Houston Bayou mosaic, which connected the parking garage for Terminals A and B with Terminal B. Although a portion of the 73-foot “Houston Bayou” mosaic mural was removed last year as part of the expansion project, mosaic tile from the original mural was carefully preserved during the removal process and will be incorporated into a portion of the new murals.

“Dixie was with us every step of the way for the removal of the mural for Terminal B’s transformation,” LeBlanc said.

Together, Gay and the demolition team collected the 1.5 million original pieces of mosaic tile and plan to repurpose some of the tile for a new art piece.

“I’m honored to be working with United Airlines and the City of Houston to create a new, more expansive mosaic—one that continues the story and spirit of the original,” said Gay. “Houston Bayou will be reborn as Bayou Ballad, channeling the voice of the bayou—its story, rhythm, and song of renewal.”

Her new, color-drenched mural for IAH is currently in production. Once fabrication is complete in mid-2026, Gay’s team will begin the tile installation process.

Digital Canvasses by Moment Factory

To effectively display the commissioned digital artwork, the design team and Moment Factory developed two pieces of infrastructure. The first, a series of pillars, displays artwork described as “living sculptures” that expand to the above LED chandelier – directly across from what will be the new United Club.

The second, a large LED cube that greets travelers as they descend the escalator from the security checkpoint, displays an array of soothing and iconic moments.

“It was important to ensure that these displays are used exclusively for art, and we are excited to bring such a unique experience to Terminal B,” said LeBlanc.

Over the next 16 months, LeBlanc and her team will be focused on finalizing all remaining artists, collaborating on content, and working to get all of the artwork designed, fabricated, approved, and installed with support from the Houston Arts Alliance.

Among the other commissioned artists for the new Terminal B, LeBlanc identified Rachel Hecker, a local artist who also had artwork featured in the original terminal.

As the project moves forward, STV’s collaborative culture has been key to its success.

“The trust and open communication between all stakeholders have been instrumental,” LeBlanc said. “It’s that culture that allows us to execute such a complex program on time and on budget.”

As part of the airline’s “United Next” strategy to modernize its fleet, improve the passenger experience and enhance operational efficiency, United Airlines’ Terminal B transformation will help provide the Houston community with safe, sustainable, world-class facilities.