Something to Smile about in May
New renderings show off the very PNW designs for PDX
There’s one lush scene everyone will experience at PDX when the new terminal opens in 2025: a park-like environment filled with live trees, understory ferns and dappled rays pouring in from the overhead skylights. Architects call this area the “seam,” because it will mark your pathway from the ticket lobby into the public market and security checkpoints beyond.
We’re getting a closer look at this, and several other airport designs, in this series of new visuals, delivered to you fresh from the architects’ desks. These images hint at a pretty lofty goal: Create a flexible, open and inviting terminal that not only serves the region for years to come, but also embodies the PDX spirit.
Want to see more? Read the full article to view all the renderings and hear from several members of the ZGF architecture team as they walk us through the new designs.
Construction Impacts to Expect
For your safety, do not enter construction areas. To avoid serious injury, never cross a construction rope, barricade or fence to enter a construction site. We don’t want you to get hurt!
To help you plan for what’s ahead, we’re listing construction impacts in order by date. These updates are posted once a month, but information is constantly evolving – you’re encouraged to check back periodically to see what’s new, noted in red.
Main Terminal Soft Demolition Impacts
As construction gets underway in the former Clocktower Plaza area, you can expect to hear loud noises and experience vibration from time to time, especially in the ticket lobby and around the TSA checkpoints.
We know this can be challenging to work around, and the safety of employees and passengers is our priority. To make sure noise is within acceptable levels – think no louder than a diesel truck – our safety specialists are monitoring this work. Additionally, barriers are in place to help reduce volume and high-noise activities will be performed during off-hours.
If you’re helping a passenger who is concerned about noise, you’ll find earplug stations at the north and south ends of the ticket lobby starting the week of May 17.
Concessions Open Pre-security and on Concourse E
The month of May brings concessions grand openings that we’ve all been anticipating. Elephants Deli is now open in the south ticket lobby – you can pick up their fantastic enchiladas and decadent cowboy cookies in the former Starbucks location. Elephant’s “grab and go” spot opened in April by the north escalators in baggage claim.
Gourmet salad, wrap and grain bowl purveyor Evergreens is a fresh addition to Concourse E, which is also home to the newest location of Tender Loving Empire. TLE has been quietly up and running since May 8, but the space is still in progress. Stay tuned for a grand opening and ribbon cutting planned for later this month!
We’ll keep you posted on Starbucks and Bambuza openings coming later this summer.
Staying Safe on the Bag Road
Have you been on the bag road lately? If so, you probably noticed traffic pattern changes, increased construction activities – electrical work, steam vent installation, welding and more – and lots of construction vehicles and equipment.
To stay safe and keep the roads clear for those using it for work, please only use bag road if you are actively involved in baggage handling or have a work-related reason to be there. Instead of walking through the area as a shortcut, use an alternate pedestrian-friendly route through baggage claim or the corridor to the east of the baggage handling system/checked bag resolution area.
Get the Latest PDX Next News in 30 Minutes
Want the inside scoop on construction at PDX? Jen Reynolds with the Port of Portland along with Pat Bifone and Caitlin Powell of Hoffman-Skanska will share the latest construction updates and answer your questions about PDX Next in just 30 minutes. They’ll even give you an early look at architectural renderings and share some behind-the-scenes photos and videos!
Grab a cup of coffee on the last Tuesday of every month and join us to learn how we’re bringing new airport designs to life together. The next update is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. Use this link to join the meeting on June 29.
Questions?
Have questions or suggestions about the construction happening at PDX? Email hello@pdxnext.com.
