SEA Gateway Project Approved for Final Phase of Construction

By Aly Lande, Capital Project Marketing Specialist

The SEA Gateway Project took a key step forward Tuesday, March 28, 2023, as the Port of Seattle Commission approved its final phase of construction, authorizing $159.5 million to help update the north end of the main terminal, with a focus on Alaska Airline’s check-in, ticketing, and baggage areas. Another major milestone for Upgrade SEA, the suite of capital projects bringing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) into a new and modern era upgrading the passenger journey.  

What does all this mean? It means the north end of the main terminal, from ticketing to baggage claim, is about to get a whole lot better! 

The Port and Alaska Airlines are working together to bring it into the modern era with a face lift, increased passenger throughput, a reconfigured Security Checkpoint #5, and new and innovative technology to elevate the experience for Alaska travelers.  

“SEA is our hometown hub, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Port of Seattle to invest in our guests and reimagine what the airport lobby experience can be,” said Shane Jones, Alaska Airlines vice president for real estate and business development. “In addition to transforming it into a bright, open, and beautiful space, we’re looking forward to utilizing new technology and processes that will streamline how guests navigate the airport.  We’re confident our guests will love the new SEA Lobby.”  

Take a reimagined stroll through SEA’s front doors, through Alaska’s Ticketing Lobby, and all the way to Security Checkpoint #5 in the fly through below.

Project progress update 

Phase A of this two-phase project is currently underway. The visible construction for this project kicked off at the beginning of 2023 and with scaffolding and barricades installed on the Baggage Claim Level. This work is to create space for crews to begin preparing the Promenade Level for build out. The Promenade Level, which is across the skybridge on the Main Terminal side and between the Ticketing and Baggage Claim Levels, is not currently being utilized to its full potential. This work will add approximately 24,000 square feet of additional space for new tenant and operational spaces.

These barricades will be up for the majority of this project to maintain safe workspaces for the construction crews, and to keep passengers safe on the Baggage Claim Level. As the project gets closer to completion and those barricades come down, updated lighting and natural light will fill the space and create a more natural but modern area before you step out to explore Seattle. 

Today’s approved second phase (Phase B), will focus primarily on the overhaul of the Alaska Ticketing Lobby on the Ticketing Level. The approval of the Phase B funds will allow work to start on preparing the Ticketing Level for the work to move up there from the Baggage Claim Level. When that construction kicks off later this year for that Phase B, Alaska will reconfigure to still allow for efficient check in and bag drop areas while the work is being done. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2026. 

Here are the highlights of the phased construction for SEA Gateway: 

Phase A:  

• Construct additional space on the Promenade Level 
• Install structural upgrade and building systems infrastructure for the additional space 
• Install ADA compliant ramps at nine of the exit doors on the Baggage Claim Level 
• Create extra dedicated space on the Ticketing Level for passenger check in and bag drop 
• Upgrade and refresh architectural finishes, signage, and lighting 

Phase B: 

• Reconfigure the Alaska Ticketing Lobby and surrounding area 
• Reconfigure Checkpoint #5 
• Finish upgrading and refresh architectural finishes, signage, and lighting 
• The design build team for this project is HOK Architects and Hensel Phelps.  

Public art opportunities 

One percent of all capital programs is set aside for public art, and the SEA Gateway Project is no exception! This project has seven exciting upcoming opportunities for artists to have their work displayed in this new, re-envisioned space.  

These opportunities will be posted from March 31 to April 24, and are calling for a wide range of media including video, glass, and multidisciplinary. Here is a sneak peek at the upcoming opportunities before they’re posted: 

1. Baggage Handling System Enclosure Display, one Washington State visual artist 
2. Exterior Glass Display, one nationwide glass/graphic/multidisciplinary artist 
3. Two Bridge Pop-Up Walls, one nationwide multidisciplinary artist 
4. Terrazzo, one worldwide multidisciplinary visual artist 
5. Suspended Sculpture, one nationwide multidisciplinary visual artist 
6. Suspended Sculpture and 2 Pop-Up Walls, one nationwide light/visual artist 
7. Video Wall, one nationwide video artist  

The Public Art Team will be hosting two virtual Q&A sessions to answer any questions that artists may have. You can find the link at the bottom of the RFQs once they are posted to VendorConnect.  

• Meeting #1: April 7, 2023 from 8:30-10 a.m. PST via Microsoft Teams 
• Meeting #2: April 13, 2023 from 2-3 p.m. PST via Microsoft Teams 

You can find out about this project’s art opportunities, as well as other SEA and Port of Seattle artist opportunities on VendorConnect. Learn about SEA Airport’s Public Art Program and how to see featured works next time you’re traveling through the airport.