Status: Completed Q1 2023
The customer experience has been leveled up at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with the renovation of the Central Terminal to provide more dining and shopping options, better seating and elbow room, and ADA accessibility improvements. We have completed a $21.8 million renovation that has changed the heart of the airport by adding 11,000 square feet of dining and seating, including the marquee Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social and a stunning Centurion Lounge by American Express.
Project Overview
Phase 1 (Q1 2018-Q1 2019)
The Port of Seattle welcomed customers back into the south side of the Central Terminal on March 29, 2019, completing phase 1 of the project. This phase of the renovation restored views of the airfield via the iconic glass wall, debuted new furniture, and opened service from five amazing eateries to satisfy every palate: Lucky Louie Fish Shack™, Evergreens Salad, Pallino Pastaria, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, and Koi Shi Sushi Bento. The Port also installed new high-top and ADA accessible charging stations and tabletops, all featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired wood finishes.
Much of the renovation work during the first phase occurred behind the scenes. The Port installed new HVAC systems and reconfigured tenant spaces while adding an elevator and stairs. Tenants then took over construction to build out their unique locations. The Central Terminal Renovation project encompasses the Port's construction of the elevators and stairs to reach new mezzanine dining levels on the north and south sides.
Phase 2 (Q1 2019 - Q1 2023)
Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social has debuted in the Central Terminal. It's a two-level dining and craft beer experience with mezzanine level access offering views of the airfield. Together, Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social are the ideal concepts to anchor the Central Terminal.
The Salty’s brand is beloved in the Pacific Northwest for uncommonly warm service and award-winning menus that celebrate local fare, seasonal seafood and regional wines, plus an incredible brunch experience. Salty's at the SEA is designed to be an oasis for travelers where every seat has a “waterfront” view that transports guests to the iconic, local Salty's restaurants for sunny beach days, spectacular sunsets, and twinkling skyline nights through a one-of-a-kind video wall filmed by local outdoor photographer Scott Kranz. Complementing Salty’s at the SEA is BrewTop Social, a proprietary brand located directly above Salty’s on the second level and the first beer and wine garden in any airport. BrewTop Social offers an open-air dining experience with craft brews and gastropub fare. Guests will enjoy an expansive rotating selection from local breweries on tap set all while dining and drinking among PNW evergreens.
Concessions International, one of the nation’s largest minority-owned airport concessionaires, has brought Salty's at the SEA and BrewTop Social to the airport. CEO Donata Russell Ross shared her pro tips on running a business in the ups and downs (like a pandemic!) with our blog readers. Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social opened in 2020, but the pandemic slowed that progress. Ross remains thrilled about the opening of this iconic, local favorite at the airport as part of phase two of the Central Terminal Renovation.
Additionally, American Express has upgraded its Centurion Lounge at SEA to triple in size to over 13,800 square feet and relocate to the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal. With a spacious entrance opening to the Central Terminal, the lounge features new seating areas that capitalize on the open-air atrium location. This expanded lounge welcomes Card Members with views of the airfield and Olympic Mountains, additional restrooms, private phone rooms and noise-buffering workspaces, cozy nooks, and more.
Renovation Completion Celebration
The full renovation to the Central Terminal was officially completed at the beginning of 2023, and no major project would be complete without a celebration. On April 13, 2023, SEA threw a party to not only recognize the completion of construction to the Central Terminal, but also a return of SEA's live music program. Sub pop artist, Shaina Shepherd, performed with a speaking portion following that included speeches from SEA leadership, president and CEO of Concessions International, LLC and owner of Well-Buttered Bread, LLC who are responsible for bringing Salty's at the SEA and BrewTop Social to the airport. Learn more about the event and completion of the Central Terminal Renovation.
Estimated Project Costs
The Central Terminal Project's final estimated cost is $21.8 million.
