Seattle-Tacoma’s North Satellite showcases best of Pacific Northwest

An art and culture-filled festival formed part of official opening of SEA’s new-look North Satellite building in November 2021.

The newly renovated complex – designed by Fentress Architects and architect of record, AECOM, with construction company Hensel Phelps – features modern amenities, seismic upgrades, sustainable features and improved building function.

Curtis Fentress, principal in charge of design at Fentress Architects, said: “The North Satellite concourse is now emblematic of the Pacific Northwest, its majestic sights and sounds.

“Every element of the design works in concert to orient travellers as it greets visitors and welcomes home residents.

“This bigger, brighter and bolder space betters travellers’ experiences with more dining and retail options, a diverse art collection that reflects the culture, spirit and history of the region, nature inspired design and a brand-new performance stage.”

Workers logged more than 2.1 million labour hours to build the facility over four years, which includes eight new passenger gates, a spectacular Alaska Airlines Lounge, the airport’s first system to collect and reuse rainwater and many built-in amenities to make travel effortless for all.

“Hensel Phelps and our trade partners often come together to build complex projects, but the North Satellite Modernization Project was a unique opportunity to not only work through challenging logistics and safety, but to truly change the impression and experience of so many travelling to our area,” said Hensel Phelps’ vice president, Shannon Gustine.

“This is a unique experience, and we are honoured to have been a part of such an amazing team effort.”

According to Fentress, the iconic building design evokes movement of a naturally meandering river, while ten new installations of museum-quality art feature local and nationally-acclaimed artists reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s diverse environment, culture, spirit, people and history.

The expanded facility has allowed SEA to triple the number of retail and F&B outlets in the North Satellite, with new additions including Tundra Taqueria, SEA Roast Coffee House, Pike & Pine, Filson and Wendy’s. More will follow in 2022.