Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has opened a new addition to Concourse C. The $399-million, 145,000 square foot expansion is part of the airport’s Upgrade SEA capital improvement plan and was constructed by raising the roof on a section of the existing Concourse C terminal to create additional amenity space.
The project, which was designed with the Port’s Sustainable Evaluation Framework, has several environmentally conscious features including folding vertical windows with electrochromic glazing to adjust and filter light throughout the terminal; energy-efficient rooftop solar panels that produce 12-14% of the facility’s power; fossil fuel-free heating systems, tenant hot water and cooking equipment; dishwashing equipment designed to reduce solid waste and locations to store donated food as well as low-flow water fixtures to conserve potable water.
New dining and retail amenities include: Bell St. Landing by Hudson, a travel essentials store featuring local products; Bite Society, a Seattle-based, woman owned snack brand; Buffalo Wild Wings Go, a grab-and-go outpost of the popular national eatery; an airport location of popular casual eatery Chili’s; Pacific Northwest-based Great State Burger and milkshake shop; Nanny’s BBQ, a barbeque brand melding traditional Southern fare with flavors from Seattle’s Chinatown International District; Washington-based Olympia Coffee; Port of Subs sandwich shop; family-owned Seattle Macaron Co. bakeshop and craft cocktail bar Wanderlust. Limited-term small and micro business retail kiosk concepts include the Clara Jane jewelry shop, Hi Ducky Shop, Royal Phoenix Photography, Seattle Glass Blowing Studio, the Transcend upcycling fashion studio, and crochet products from Seattle-based artist Tyra the Stitcher. The facility also includes an interfaith prayer and meditation room, sensory room, nursing room, performance venue and an airfield observation area; as well as a wide variety of public art displays throughout the space.
“The C Concourse Expansion represents more than a new building for the Port of Seattle — it demonstrates what is possible when innovation, environmental leadership, and partnership come together,” said Port of Seattle commission president Ryan Calkins. “The Port is proud to deliver a transformative space that elevates comfort and connection while advancing its climate goals.”
“SEA is one of the most space-constrained airports in the country while welcoming the 11th largest number of passengers. So, our teams had to get creative — and this space is the perfect illustration of creativity,” said SEA managing director Wendy Reiter. “We couldn’t go out, so we had to go up! Using the same footprint, and not losing any gates, we’ve created more comfort and utility for our travelers.”
“Airports serve as gateways to their communities, and the spaces within them help shape a traveler’s experience and impression of a region,” said Turner Construction vice president and construction executive Kevin Stilwell. “The C Concourse Expansion provides passengers with more opportunities to relax, recharge, and connect while reflecting the unique character of the Pacific Northwest. Turner is proud to help deliver this welcoming new space that will give travelers more reasons to enjoy their time at SEA.”
“The C Concourse Expansion offers an entirely new experience for passengers at SEA — one that reflects the region it serves and the diverse travelers who pass through it,” said terminal designers Miller Hull and Woods Bagot. The three-story Marketplace at C brings in the character of our famous markets and inspiration from our evergreen forests to create a welcoming space to spread out, and up, and relax before or after your flight. Thoughtful amenities, including spaces for sensory relief, interfaith prayer and meditation, and nursing, are designed to embrace a wide range of passenger needs and backgrounds. Vantage points from multiple levels offer opportunities for views of our cloud-rich skies, the intricate movement of aircraft, and territorial views of the region — creating an authentic experience where every traveler finds a sense of belonging, and every corner tells the story of the place it represents.”
“The investments at SEA airport including the C Concourse Expansion have created thousands of good, family-wage jobs for our local communities,” added Monty Anderson, executive secretary, Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council. “The airport expansion projects are also helping build the next generation of construction workers, opening new doors through apprenticeships for women, people of color, veterans, and others who are disadvantaged. Delivering on major Port of Seattle capital projects like this one means building better lives for working people, and a stronger regional economy.”
