The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is set to begin a substantial renovation of its S Concourse following approval of initial funding by the Port of Seattle Commission.
The S Concourse Evolution (SCE) project, estimated at $2.5bn, is the latest in a series of upgrades intended to modernise facilities and enhance the experience for international travellers.
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Major construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the project forming a key part of the airport’s $5.5bn Upgrade SEA capital improvement programme.
The commission authorised $1.1bn to fund the project through 2029, with the remaining costs subject to later approval. Funding sources include the Airport Development Fund and future revenue bonds.
The S Concourse, which dates back to 1973 and mainly serves international flights, will be transformed to meet contemporary standards for space, amenities and environmental sustainability.
The renovation will add 150,000ft² of space, including a new upper level, dual-level boarding for selected gates, and expanded options for dining, lounges, retail and other passenger services.
The project repurposes, in part, vacated customs areas following the opening of the International Arrivals Facility in 2022.
Despite these changes, the number of gates in the S Concourse will remain the same, as spatial constraints prevent further expansion.
Port of Seattle Commission president Ryan Calkins said: “Today’s authorisation to move forward with the S Concourse Evolution builds on the generational investments we are making at SEA to improve the passenger experience.
“The project will add critical seismic, structural and building systems upgrades to improve long-term passenger circulation as well as operational efficiency.”
The project is designed to keep most gates operational during construction. Renovations will be phased over eight years, with all phases expected to be completed by 2034.
A temporary S Annex will support ground boarding during periods of gate closure.
Sustainability measures form a significant aspect of the scheme. The SCE aims for LEED Silver certification and is projected to reduce annual operational greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and annual energy use by 16% compared to the Port’s standard.
Planned features include high-performance glazing, enhanced lighting controls, electric vehicle charging infrastructure for service equipment, low-flow plumbing and reuse of building materials.
SEA Airport managing director Wendy Reiter said: “The existing building is over half a century old, making it challenging for us to meet our goals of providing the best possible service to our travellers and tenants – this is a necessary upgrade.
“As we’ve done in previous Upgrade SEA projects, we’re being innovative by building up and not out. We’re mindful of the fact that we have one of the smallest footprints of any major US airport considering our passenger volume.”
