Part of the Terminal Lobby Expansion’s (TLE) west side at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) opened on July 27.
The expansion will provide approximately 90,000ft2 of additional circulation space and access to the west subterranean walkway, a traffic-free, covered walking path from the Hourly Deck to the terminal.
It is the first TLE phase to be ready for passenger use. Features include large picture windows, terrazzo flooring throughout, bright blue tiles framing the entrances/exits and architectural-detailed scalloped ceilings.
The TLE is part of Destination CLT, a $3.1bn capital investment programme that includes concourse renovations and expansion of CLT’s roadways, curb front, airfield, and terminal.
When the west side opens, Door 2 in the new space will be open to passengers on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level, and Doors 1 and 2 will be 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 will not be immediately visible. Signage has been installed to point customers in the right direction. Airport employees will be stationed in Arrivals/Baggage Claim and Departures/Ticketing next week to assist with wayfinding as well.
Three new artworks will greet CLT visitors: “Meridian” - a suspended sculpture depicting spiralling movement by Danielle Roney; “Carolina Moon” by Scott Parsons; and “Restless Sky”, a wall artwork by Catherine Widgery.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the terminal lobby’s east side. Excavation and deep underground utilities are complete, and the installation of foundations and walls is underway. Completion of this phase is scheduled for the end of 2023 and will include the unveiling of Queen Charlotte, a popular statue currently covered for protection from construction.
Renovation of the existing Departures/Ticketing and Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas will begin at the end of this month.
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.
The $608m Terminal Lobby Expansion will transform CLT’s entrance, with 366,000ft2 of new and renovated space and a 146,000ft2 canopy.
