Miller Hull

By James Leggate

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s ongoing expansion efforts took another step forward after the Port of Seattle Commission approved a $399-million final program budget Sept. 26 for its C Concourse project. The project will add four floors to the existing three-floor building in the area where C and D Concourses meet.

Turner Construction is the general contractor/construction manager, according to the port. Turner also completed the existing building in 2008. The Miller Hull Partnership and Woods Bagot are the designers of the expansion. Major construction is scheduled to start next year, and substantial completion is expected in 2026.

The project would increase the building’s size from 81,000 sq ft to more than 226,000 sq ft. The plan calls for one new floor of office space, and three with added customer service space, dining and retail, a lounge for Alaska Airlines passengers, an outdoor viewing area and other amenities. An atrium would include a performance area for live music.

The port is targeting LEED v4 Silver certification. It says the completed building will not use fossil fuels.

Port officials also set a 20% participation goal for women- and minority-owned business enterprises during construction.

“The whole time we build with intention by focusing on sustainability and ensuring that our construction expands opportunities through the entire community,” said Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commission president, in a statement.

The port says building higher is necessary to accommodate growth because it is one of the most space-constrained airports in North America.  It previously used the strategy for its N Concourse and Central Terminal modernization. Its SEA Gateway project is also using the strategy.

Approximately $4 billion worth of projects are planned at Sea-Tac over the next five years to meet the facility’s rapid growth in travelers. The port recently selected Hensel Phelps Construction Co. as the general contractor/construction manager for its $1.5-billion South Concourse Evolution project. AECOM was chosen to deliver the project’s program management services.

Recently completed projects over the past several years include a North Satellite modernization, the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) and D Concourse annex.

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