Summary:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has opened its new C Concourse Expansion, a major transformation under the ‘Upgrade SEA’ programme designed to enhance passenger experience and operational capacity.
- The 145,000 sq ft facility introduces new dining, retail, wellbeing spaces and public art, alongside innovative architectural features inspired by the Pacific Northwest environment.
- The expansion is SEA’s first project aligned with its Sustainable Evaluation Framework, targeting LEED Platinum certification through electrification, renewable energy and advanced environmental design.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has elevated the passenger experience with the opening of the new C Concourse Expansion, a major improvement under the ‘Upgrade SEA’ umbrella.
The redesigned C Concourse Expansion is located between the C and D Concourses. Four new floors rise from the former footprint of non-public space that primarily housed offices and tenant storage. Now, this open atrium welcomes travellers with ten new dining and retail options, six new SEA Sparks Incubator Program retail kiosks, the Tree at C and Grand Stairs, an Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room, a Sensory Room, a Nursing Room, a performance area, and an airfield observation area called The Lookout at C.
“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.”
Creating over 145,000 square feet of new space with a wish list of services, amenities, and art, the C Concourse Expansion reflects a climate-friendly and future-forward design that merges the Pacific Northwest’s lush natural landscapes with the comforts of home. Travellers will feel the forest in the geometric patterns of Western Hemlock overhead that flow down an architectural centrepiece called the Tree at C, while being soaked in curated daylighting through the folded facade windows. Sitting among the Grand Stairs, the Tree at C extends upward to the 30-foot-high ceiling, functioning as both a central gathering space and a circulation path. Each level of the building is slightly set back to allow clear sightlines and reinforce a sense of openness.
“SEA is one of the most space-constrained airports in the country while welcoming the 11th largest number of passengers,” said SEA Airport Managing Director Wendy Reiter. “So, our teams had to get creative – and this space is the perfect illustration of creativity. 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 travellers.”
Aiming for the highest certification of any SEA facility with LEED Platinum, the C Concourse Expansion is committed to sustainability both behind the scenes and in passenger-facing spaces. This is the first airport project to fully embrace the Port’s Sustainable Evaluation Framework. The project includes:
- A series of folding vertical windows with electrochromic glazing (like transition lenses) to filter light throughout the day, as each side adjusts automatically to the movement of the sun.
- SEA’s first rooftop photovoltaics, energy-efficient solar panels that will produce 12-14% of the facility’s power.
- The first all-electric project, with fossil fuel-free heating systems, tenant hot water, and cooking equipment.
- Dishwashing capabilities to reduce solid waste, and a storage location for donated food.
- Low-flow water fixtures that help conserve potable water.
Ten new dining and retail locations highlight local flavours and tastes, along with national favourites spanning from barbecue to Asian-influenced cuisine, cookies, snacks, and unique gifts.
SEA’s Public Art Program features a wide variety of displays including digital art, table art, and glass sculptures. Pieces can be found embedded in the tables of the Grand Stairs seating area, in front of the Concourse-level restroom, high above the Concourse level with a giant digital screen displaying rotating art pieces, next to the Lookout at C, and tucked away in more quiet locations.
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