FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -– The $247 million consolidated rental car center at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport opened for business Jan. 27.

The nine-story facility, located at 600 Terminal Drive in Ft. Lauderdale, began construction in January 2002. The center will house 11 rental car companies. It is one of the largest rental car facilities in the country. The center measures about 4.1 million square feet and also includes five levels of public parking for airport customers.

The rental car companies with operations in the center are Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, E-Z, Royal and Payless. At press time, a few of the counters, including the one for Payless, hadn't yet opened.

"We're pleased to continue to serve both Dollar and Thrifty customers traveling for business or pleasure in the fantastic new FLL rental car facility, located in the heart of Broward County," said Ken Wiley, South Florida area manager for Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group. The Dollar rental counter is located on Level Four, and the Thrifty counter is on Level Two of the center.

The facility features two major art projects. Terrazzo artwork, depicting indigenous mangrove islands, is found in the customer service areas. Integrated artwork in the six entry portals combines custom-made LED lighting and glass.