PHOENIX - The Port of Seattle has unveiled the final design for a $636 million bond-funded airport renovation and expansion.
The Port released the design Tuesday for the modernization of the North Satellite at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Tuesday, dubbed NorthSTAR, for North Sea-Tac Airport Renovation.
The project aims to bring "dramatic changes" to the 40-year-old facility. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the first quarter of 2017 with phase one complete in 2019 and the full facility upgrade opening in 2021. It will include eight new gates with a 240-foot extension of the building to the west, add an upper level mezzanine, more than double the dining and retail square footage, and introduce a rooftop Alaska Airlines lounge with views of the Olympic Mountains.
The Port sold almost $600 million in bonds to help finance the project last July.
"This project - which will include new gates, increased dining and retail options, and more robust Wi-Fi and connectivity – is critical for meeting the region's needs at Sea-Tac Airport for the next 25 years," said Port of Seattle Commission president John Creighton. "Renovations will open up the building with natural light, bring the feeling of movement and travel inside and express the culture of the Pacific Northwest with cost efficient, environmentally friendly functions and materials including a living wall and collecting rainwater to supply flushing water to the restrooms throughout most of the year."
The terminal project is a major effort between the port and Alaska Airlines, the sole tenant in that section of the airport, to expand and update a facility that has received only limited modernizations in its 40 years.
Alaska Airlines is Sea-Tac's largest carrier and its increased business has been a key factor in driving passenger traffic.
"With upgraded facilities and additional gates, the improvements to the North Satellite will enhance the travel experience for our customers and employees and accommodate the continued growth of the airline," said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. "Through the partnership with the Port of Seattle on the North Satellite Expansion Project, we will be able to deliver a signature Alaska experience for fliers in a space that epitomizes our energetic brand."
The project is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification.
Operations at the North Satellite will continue throughout the construction process. The first phase will build out the extension to the west of the current building. Once that is complete in 2019, the second phase will renovate and upgrade the eastern portion of the building.
