After 4 years, SEA’s N Gate upgrade completed with new marketplace – KIRO 7 News Seattle

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SEATAC, Washington – After four years and millions of dollars, construction of the N Gate at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is finally complete.

Originally built in 1970, it is the first major expansion and renovation of the north hall in its 41-year existence.

The airport is celebrating completion on Thursday with a new marketplace open to the public that offers travelers eight more gates as well as more dining and shopping options.

Travelers Isaac and Cheryl Diaz of Kauai, Hawaii said the new marketplace was a great way to pass the time during their layover.

Natural light from the 25 meter high ceilings and large windows lets you see Seattle.

“I think it just looks inviting. I mean, it’s nice to get off a plane. You are tired. (It’s) a nice place to hang out, ”said Isaac Diaz.

“It’s nice to see the fog come in,” said Cheryl Diaz.

Before modernizing and upgrading to LED lighting, sustainable architecture, and local restaurants, the N Gate felt very different from flying.

Tina Barber of Ferndale described the old gate as boring, with a few fast food options and worn carpet that needed to be replaced.

“It was just a place to take a flight because there was nothing here and you spent as much time as possible in C-gates before you got here,” said Barber.

Even representatives from SEA agree.

“(It was) dark, bleak. Back then we made the best of what we could. But now we are talking about the step into modernity, ”said SEA spokesman Perry Cooper.

Another addition to the SEA is a stage in the middle of the hall, which was specially designed for live music.

Before the pandemic, live performances could be seen daily throughout the airport.

The new installation is a step towards bringing this back.

“We’re known for our music here in the Pacific Northwest. People have a chance to soak that in while they wait here, ”Cooper said.

Because of the pandemic, some shops and restaurants that have committed to the north hall have delayed construction. Airport officials said travelers will soon be able to buy a Frosty from Wendy’s and buy a hat from Filson.

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