Renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal completes

After beginning construction in 2014, the renovation of Tampa International Airport’s Main Terminal has completed. The $154-million renovation of the Main Terminal and concessions program was one of the largest elements of the first phase of the airport’s overall master plan expansion. It enhances the passenger experience, improves wayfinding, and expands concession options for travelers.

The Skanska and HOK-led project adds 98,000 sf of enclosed and useable space and 69 concessions spaces in five facilities. Sightlines were improved across the entire Main Terminal, additional seating areas were created, and four green terraces for passengers and employees were added. Two additional green terraces were created are dedicated to restaurant use.

Elevator bank and seating group Photo: Seamus Payne.

Skanska led the Main Terminal Transfer Level expansion and redevelopment of the Airport’s Main Terminal and functional improvements to airsides A, C, E and F. The Transfer Level expansion included raising the former east and west outdoor decks, creating four transfer-level terraces, relocating all four shuttle car lobbies to the airsides, and removing the former airside D shuttle lobby to create space for a food court.

PF Chang patio Photo: Seamus Payne.

Airside functional improvements for all gate lounges include power poles, seating options, recycle units, and the interwoven concessions. A total of 32 escalators were installed and 24 public elevators were renovated. The project adds 55,000 sf to the terminal’s third-floor transfer level. Shuttle enclosures were pushed back and restaurants were moved to the perimeter to open a central area for shops and lounge seating. Privacy glass was installed in restaurant and event spaces to allow for more natural light.

The work is part of a three-phase expansion and modernization master plan that will allow Tampa International Airport to accommodate up to 34 million annual passengers. HOK provided architecture, landscape architecture, interior and lighting design and sustainable consulting services for the project.

AIrside C Photo: Seamus Payne.

Concessions architecture Photo: Seamus Payne.

A terminal modernization program can be a complicated and expensive task that airport operators may be hesitant to undertake unless necessitated by demands for increased capacity. This is the first post in our series examining why airport operators should bother to upgrade their facilities, even if capacity isn’t forcing the issue.