Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) recently unveiled a $399 million, 145,000-square-foot expansion of the C Concourse and I had the opportunity to explore the space. I think passengers will be impressed and there is one new addition that AvGeeks will love!
The overall space is quite striking. If you are familiar with C Concourse previously, you know it was cramped and a challenge to get through. As the number of passengers has grown, the airport has looked for creative new ways to expand, but it has been a challenge.
“We couldn’t go out, so we have to go up,” said SEA Airport Managing Director Wendy Reiter. “Using the same footprint, and not losing any gates, we’ve created more comfort and utility for our travelers.” And up they went. The new space is four stories tall, providing multiple levels of amenities, art installations, a sensory room, a performance area, and plenty of natural light.
The Tree at C instantly grabbed my attention and gave me vibes of the Pacific Northwest. The airport says that passengers “will feel the forest in the geometric patterns of Western Hemlock overhead that flow down an architecture centerpiece.” I think that it looks rad!
BONUS: Previewing the C Concourse While Under Construction in December
Connected to the Tree at C are The Grand Stairs that serve a few purposes: they help connect the first and second levels, they act as additional seating, and they display the Table Art.
New dining and retail options were also added: Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Nanny’s BBQ, Bite Society, Great State Burger, Olympia Coffee, Port of Subs, Seattle Macaron Co, and Wanderlust.
I would say that the best part of the expansion is the Lookout at C. At the very top, you will find an area where you can take photos and watch airliners. The outside walls are glass, but there are a few inches of space between each pane, so it feels like you are inside and outside at the same time. Because of the openings, you can easily hear and smell all the airport operations, which is a huge benefit. Cheers to the airport for opting to put this feature into their plans!
If you are flying through SEA (or using a SEA Visitor Pass), it would be worth your time to check out the improved C Concourse and especially the Lookout at C. And if you have experienced it, let me know what you think in the comments.
