The busiest land port in the western hemisphere.

Commissioned by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), using the Design Excellence consultant selection process, we competed with the top design firms across the country to win the largest federal design contract at the time. We led the complete redesign of the master plan in 2009, gaining approval from the Public Building Services Commissioner in record time. The construction was completed in three subsequent phases, with Miller Hull leading two of them, finally complete in 2019 at a total project cost of approximately $750 million. Also it is worth noting that the border remained in operation 24/7/365 during the entire construction period. The design is dominated by the 750 foot long primary inspection canopy that covers 35 lanes of inbound traffic, each with two inspection booths, the first of its kind for GSA. The razor thin ETFE-clad canopy is supported by tensile cable, spanning from four 125-foot tall steel masts. The diminutive scale of the canopy is to achieve unimpeded views from the headhouse into the vehicle holding area.

Sustainability

The SYLPOE was designed to set the standard for “The Port of the Future” by optimizing performance, increasing safety and establishing new standards for sustainability. Working alongside the efficient energy systems, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and 300,000-gallon rainwater cistern are located in the CUP and function as a water treatment plant for on-site gray and blackwater, reducing water use by an anticipated 18 million gallons per year. The project has achieved LEED Platinum certification.