Salt Lake City International Airport has celebrated the completion of its $5.1 billion New SLC Redevelopment Program with current and former employees who had a hand in building the new-look gateway.
A celebration titled ‘Gateway to the World’ highlighted the airport’s transformation to a global facility with the premiere of an airport theme titled Lux Altior or ‘Higher Light’ by Utah-based composer Kurt Bestor capturing the miracle of flight through music.
A suspended art installation titled ‘Crossroads to the World’ featuring about 2,500 colourful, laser-cut acrylic airplanes was also unveiled during the celebrations.
SLCDA commissioned Artist Gordon Huether early in the programme to design, create and install several major, structurally integrated art pieces for The New SLC.
The installations were part of the airport design from the early stages to create a strong identity and sense of place to enhance the passenger experience.
Coming full circle, many of the individuals who participated in the groundbreaking returned to SLC to re-create a photo taken in July 2014.
They included former and current Salt Lake City Mayors, Salt Lake City Council members, the airport’s past and present executive directors, Airport Advisory Board members and The New SLC’s construction director.
Current executive director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, Bill Wyatt, said: “We stand here today in this beautiful airport because of the dedication of hundreds of workers – from architects and accountants to planners and pavers.
“They had the foresight and determination to build a completely new airport, and they did so despite numerous challenges faced. To you I extend a hearty congratulations and deep thanks and appreciation.”
Nearly 25,000 craft workers were employed during the redevelopment program working more than 18 million craft hours.
The approximately 132,000-square-foot addition in Concourse B-east includes seven new gates and six new concessions.
Five of the gates will be occupied by United Airlines and two will be common-use gates.
The concessions are a mix of local and national brands: Einstein Bros. Bagels, Monarca, Moochies Meatballs, Mr. Charlies Chicken Fingers, Swig and retailer & Go SLC.
