• Article By | bhobbs

Design-Build Partnership with Rainwater Construction Delivers New Gateway for Aviation Travelers in Cobb County

Kennesaw, GA – Community leaders, aviation partners, and project stakeholders recently gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Ascension FBO terminal at Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of one of metro Atlanta’s most active aviation hubs.

Designed by CROFT & Associates and delivered through a Design-Build partnership with Rainwater Construction, the new terminal provides a modern arrival experience for pilots, passengers, business travelers, and international visitors while reinforcing the airport’s role as a key economic driver for Cobb County and the region.

The ribbon cutting brought together representatives from Ascension, the Cobb County Airport Authority Board, Cobb County Government, Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, members of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, the Cobb Chamber, Cobb Select, Town Center CID, and members of the design and construction teams who helped bring the project to life.

“This project represents what can happen when a community rallies around a shared vision,” said Stacey Chapman, Senior Vice President of Strategy at CROFT & Associates. “The new terminal is more than a building. It is a front door to Cobb County and an investment in the future of business, aviation, and economic development in our community.”

The project began within Commissioner JoAnn Birrell’s district and reached completion within Commissioner Keli Gambrill’s district, reflecting years of support and collaboration among elected officials, community partners, airport leadership, and project stakeholders. Rainwater Construction served as the Design-Builder for the project, while CROFT provided architecture and engineering services. Constructed adjacent to active airport operations, the project required an exceptional level of coordination among the owner, airport staff, design team, and contractor. Airport operations remained fully functional throughout construction, with strict operational requirements, limited site logistics, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and uninterrupted experience for airport users.

The design balances operational efficiency with elevated hospitality, creating a facility that reflects Ascension’s commitment to exceptional service. Architectural detailing, premium interior finishes, specialty ceiling systems, and carefully integrated exterior materials create a welcoming environment for travelers arriving in Cobb County.

“Business aviation is often someone’s first impression of a community,” said Chris Philhower, Project Manager for CROFT. “We wanted this facility to feel professional, welcoming, and reflective of the quality and energy that define Cobb County.” Ascension’s new terminal complements the airport’s extensive aviation infrastructure, including more than 500,000 square feet of hangar space, 50 acres of ramp area, the longest runway in metro Atlanta, and the region’s only dedicated U.S. Customs facility.

For CROFT, a firm headquartered just minutes from the airport, the project holds special significance. “As a Cobb-based firm, it’s incredibly rewarding to help create a facility that will welcome visitors, businesses, and travelers to our community for years to come,” Chapman said. “This project required the commitment of many partners, and the ribbon cutting was a celebration of that collective effort.”

ABOUT CROFT & Associates, Inc.

CROFT, founded in 2004, is a full-service architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Kennesaw, GA, with offices in Lawrenceville and Savannah, GA; Golden, CO; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Charlotte, NC. CROFT completes over 200 projects each year for clients throughout the United States, providing in-house design services that include: architecture, interior design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering. CROFT’s team of architects and engineers designs and manages over $500 million in construction of new and renovated facilities annually. CROFT’s market sectors include K-12 Education, Higher Education, Local Government, Federal Government, Church/Non-Profit, and Corporate/Commercial. CROFT is a privately owned organization with a strong history of philanthropy.

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Barkley Russell | barkley@barkleyrussellagency.com | 770.235.3612