May 23, 2022 – Destination CLT, the Airport’s $3.1-billion capital investment program, continues making headway to modernize Airport facilities.
Terminal Lobby Expansion
The first half of the new terminal lobby expansion and west tunnel are slated to open this summer.
The west side renovation includes the addition of about 90,000 square feet of new space and two original artworks. Work continues on terrazzo flooring, the ceiling, lights, and mechanical and electrical systems. The west tunnel will connect the Hourly Deck to the terminal and allow CLT visitors to bypass lower-level Airport roadway traffic.
On the lobby expansion’s east side, excavation is nearing completion, and deep underground utilities are being installed. Completion is scheduled for 2023. After that, crews will focus attention on renovating the existing Ticketing and Baggage Claim areas.
The entire lobby expansion will wrap up in 2025.
Concourse E Expansion Opens
The $50 million, 34,000-square-foot construction project opened April 13 and adds one gate to the north end of the concourse, which houses Gates E36-45. Concourse E is CLT’s busiest concourse serving more than 400 daily arrivals and departures. It houses regional jets operated by American Airlines affiliates.
The project also relocated nine existing gates to the new space for operational efficiency and to prepare for new jet bridges. The addition allows CLT to install jet bridges on all Concourse E gates by 2023. Currently, passengers must walk outside to board or disembark a flight.
Amenities include a Pet Relief Area, Mother’s Room, restrooms with touchless fixtures, a family restroom, seats with integrated power, terrazzo flooring in the center walkway to accommodate rolling luggage, LED lighting and new wayfinding signage.
Adorning the ceiling are 29 suspended blown glass sculptures by Jonathan Michael Davis named "Antinomies." Lights illuminating the sculptures change color every four hours.
Davis, who is from Durham, made his first piece in 2015. “Antinomies” is the largest sculpture he has ever created. Each piece ranges in size from 8 to 10 feet and has 500 pieces of glass. Biology and making use of spaces people tend to not notice are two influences in his artwork.
The Airport also is planning to modernize the existing Concourse E with new carpet, terrazzo flooring in the walkways, LED lighting, seating with integrated power and new wayfinding signage. Renovations are scheduled to begin in late summer and wrap up at the end of 2025.
Concourse A Expansion Phase II
Construction of the 191,858-square-foot Concourse A Expansion Phase II began on May 10. The 10-gate addition will house Delta Air Lines and three common-use gates.
In keeping with the design of other renovations, Concourse A also will contain terrazzo flooring spanning the center walkways, seats with integrated power and restrooms with modern finishes. The $231 million expansion will house, two bars, a restaurant, retail store and two new artworks. Concessions’ announcements will come.
Completion is scheduled for fall 2024.
