Inspired by the natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the iconic new addition to the C Concourse will elevate the passenger experience at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), capping off another 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 nonpublic space that primarily housed offices and tenant storage. Now, this open atrium welcomes travelers 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. Travelers will feel the forest in the geometric patterns of Western Hemlock overhead that flow down an architectural centerpiece 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. So, our teams had to get creative — and this space is the perfect illustration of creativity,” said SEA Airport 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. 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.” — Miller Hull and Woods Bagot
“The investments at SEA Airport including the C Concourse Expansion have created thousands of good, family-wage jobs for our local communities,” said 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.”
Sustainable stewardship
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 framework helps the Port achieve its goal to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are some of the “firsts”:
- 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
Next-level dining and retail
Ten new dining and retail locations highlight local flavors and tastes, along with national favorites spanning from barbecue to Asian-influenced cuisine, cookies, snacks, and unique gifts. The list includes:
- Bell St. Landing by Hudson
- Bite Society
- Buffalo Wild Wings Go
- Chili’s
- Great State Burger
- Nanny’s BBQ
- Olympia Coffee
- Port of Subs
- Seattle Macaron Co.
- Wanderlust
More information on each location can be found in this blog post.
Plus, the SEA Sparks Incubator Program debuts limited-term small and micro business retail kiosks in six locations along the Concourse level. These startup opportunities provide options for emerging artisans to operate at SEA. The first set includes Clara Jane, Hi Ducky Shop, Royal Phoenix Photography, Seattle Glass Blowing Studio, Transcend, and Tyra the Stitcher.
There is diverse and ample seating where you can rest and enjoy your meal and goodies, including several areas with airfield views. Many of the seating areas are power-equipped, ideal for tucking yourself away into a cozy nook or sitting in the center of the buzz.
Celebrating the arts
SEA’s Public Art Program doesn’t disappoint, with 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.
- Grand Stairs table art: Within 15 tables in the auditorium-style seating area are a blend of art pieces, from glass to acrylics and paintings on plexiglass — from artists Jaq Chartier (Surface Tensions), Beccy Feather (Home Grown), and June Sekiguchi (Where Patterns Meet).
- Restroom wall glasswork: An array of blown glass forms a line of bears diverse in their colors and shapes on the Concourse level — from artist Crystal Worl (wooch isxan * love for each other).
- Video wall digital art: Above the west end of the Concourse level, four artists have provided rotating visuals on a giant screen, examining movement, stop-action watercolor, synchronized mechanical swinging pendulums, and historic objects — from artists Rebecca Bird (Cycle), Marco Brambilla (Object to Be Destroyed), Dan Mirer (Bub Hub), and Anna Mlasowsky (Theia).
- Sensory Room glass mosaics: A glass tile mosaic piece offers travelers a moment of stillness between wakefulness and sleep — from artists Baso Fibonacci and Alex Sandvoss (Hypnagogia).
- Lookout at C glass sculpture: The free-standing glass sculpture is inspired by the moss-rich landscapes of the Pacific Northwest — from artist Fumi Amano (Shared Breath).
Estimated project costs
Total estimated project cost is $399 million. Funding for the project came from a combination of Airport Development Fund and future revenue bonds. As with virtually all airport projects, no taxpayer dollars were used to fund the project.
Additional resources
- Webpage: Airport Capital Projects (Upgrade SEA)
- Blog post: Bringing the Outside In: Designing the New C Concourse
- YouTube video: Checking In: Folded Facade Window Wall
- YouTube video: C Concourse Expansion — New Tenant Buildout
