Photo: PGAL Architects

The world’s largest consolidated rental car center opened recently at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The $242-million complex, which houses 13 rental car agencies and their associated operations, is integrated with a new automated people mover system known at the ATL Sky Train, eliminating the need for shuttle buses.

Located across Interstate 85 from the airport, the LEED-registered facility includes: two four-level parking structures totaling 2.8 million sq ft and housing 8,700 parking spaces; a 137,000-sq-ft customer service center; seven service areas, totaling more than 27 acres, with 136 fuel dispensers, 20 wash bays, 24 maintenance bays and airline remote check-in services. The APM system features six two-car trains, a 1.3-acre maintenance facility and multiple covered and open-air pedestrian bridges.

The Sky Train is connected by a 1.6-mile guideway that is able to move up to 2,600 people per hour one way.

The project was built by Austin-Prad, a joint venture of Austin Commercial and the Prad Group, Atlanta. PGAL of Atlanta led the design joint venture of HJCDC, which was composed of PGAL, R.L. Brown & Associates, Walter P. Moore and numerous specialty consultants.