July 28, 2022 - Portions of the Terminal Lobby Expansion’s (TLE) west side opened on Wednesday, July 27, providing approximately 90,000 square feet of additional circulation space, access to the west subterranean walkway and a sneak peek of what is to come when construction is complete in 2025.
It is the first TLE phase to open. Features include large, picturesque windows, terrazzo flooring throughout, bright blue tiles framing the entrances/exits and tall ceilings. There are even rocking chairs for that added touch of southern hospitality.
“This is a big moment for us,” said CLT’s Chief Operating Officer Jack Christine. “Opening this piece of the project allows us to not only continue finishing the expansion of the east side of the lobby but also allows us to start the renovation phases of the project and stay on target to complete the entire TLE in 2025.”
The Terminal Lobby Expansion is part of Destination CLT, the Airport’s $3.1 billion capital investment program that includes concourse renovations and expansion of CLT’s roadways, curb front, the airfield and the terminal. The $608-million signature project will transform the Airport’s entrance with 366,000 square feet of new and renovated space, along with a 146,000-square-foot stunning canopy that will begin construction in September.
The public also can now use CLT’s new west-end subterranean walkway, located on the Hourly Deck’s first floor. The tunnel provides a traffic-free, covered walking path from the Hourly Deck to the terminal.
Upon the TLE’s west side opening, Door 2 in the new space is open to passengers on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level, and Doors 1 and 2 are accessible on the Departures/Ticketing level. When passengers enter on either the terminal’s upper or lower levels, ticket counters, security checkpoints and luggage carousels are not immediately visible. Signage has been installed to point customers in the right direction.
Complementing the modern aesthetics of the expansion, three new artworks will greet CLT visitors.
- “Meridian” – a suspended sculpture depicting spiraling movement by New York City’s Danielle Roney in Ticketing’s west side - contains 569 spheres and 467 LED lights. The personal travel histories of Charlotte-area residents are represented in the dynamic movement of the artwork’s integrated lighting. A twin sculpture of “Meridian” will be installed in Ticketing’s east end in the next construction phase.
- “Carolina Moon” – rich, colorful artwork by Scott Parsons of Sioux Falls, S.D., that celebrates the musical traditions of North Carolina are embedded in terrazzo flooring at the west subterranean walkway entrance.
- “Restless Sky” – wall artwork by Catherine Widgery of Cambridge, Mass., to enliven the west subterranean walkway by creating a sense of space, light and air.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the terminal lobby’s east side. Excavation and deep underground utilities are complete. Installation of foundations and walls are underway. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2023 and will include the unveiling of the Queen Charlotte statue. Currently, the popular statue is covered for protection from surrounding construction.
Renovation of the existing Departures/Ticketing and Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas kicks off at the end of this month.
“The completed Terminal Lobby Expansion will be spectacular,” Christine said. “It will be modern, spacious, filled with natural light and worth the wait. Our passengers will definitely be impressed.”
The entire lobby expansion will wrap up in 2025. Customer amenities will include modern ticket counters, eight original artworks, charging stations, three large security checkpoints and five pre-security concession spaces.
