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The South Terminal Expansion Project (STEP) at SeattleTacoma International Airport is one of the most ambitious endeavors the Port of Seattle has undertaken since the last major airport expansion of the late '60s.
When completed, the STEP project will provide air expansion to the main terminal, a new Concourse A with a 14-gate capacity, and a fivestory office tower above it. The most striking addition to the terminal expansion will be the 70-foot tall by 210-foot long glass enclosed atrium called the South Hall, which creates a grand gathering space for travelers.
"Our vision of the new terminal is to create a world-class facility that captures the essence of the Northwest and relates this to visitors," says Rick Zieve, principal with NBBJ and lead designer of STEP.
NBBJ, the architect of record, and KPFF Consulting Engineers, the structural engineer, are bringing the port's vision for the airport to fruition. As the arrival point for visitors, the port envisions the completed terminal and South Hall to welcome visitors and convey the world-class nature of the city. The extensive use of glass will create a lasting impression of the dramatic scenic views that define the region.
The airport's last major expansion restilted in an increased capacity to 25 million passengers annually. Last year, SeaTac served 28 million passengers. This year, it is projected to serve nearly 29 million passengers.
Although prior expansions showed great foresight, the region has clearly outgrown the airport. The Port of Seattle's multibillion-dollar capital improvement project will assure the airport remains a major economic player in the region in addition
to increasing the efficiency and operation of the facility.
When completed in 2004, the new 2,100 foot long Concourse A will nearly double the length of the current concourse. It will have the first power-walks at the airport, as well as new retail and too(] and beverage concessions.
The new concourse will add seven gates that can hold higher-capacity airplanes, increase...