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Long Beach Airport unveils resortlike concourse, terminals
By Karen Robes Meeks Staff Writer
Contra Costa times
LONG BEACH - If it weren't for the commercial airplanes visible through tall glass walls, travelers might mistake the new concourse at the Long Beach Airport for a resort hotel.
Visitors will now be greeted by stylish new decor including plush red seats, elongated fire pits and a garden walkway - part of a renovation officials showed off Wednesday.
The new concourse - which will feature two terminal buildings, 4,200 square feet of outdoor seating and more than 10,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space for Long Beach merchants - is set to open to airline
The public will be able to check it out before the checkpoints are put in place Sunday (tour reservations are required).
"It's a community asset," Airport Executive Director Mario Rodriguez said in advance of the Wednesday evening unveiling that was attended by local dignitaries.
"It really is what we're trying to build here. It's their airport."
The $45 million terminal project - which is five months ahead of schedule and on budget - has been years in the making. The work was funded entirely through airport revenue.
The airport had already built a new parking garage as well as part of the modernization overhaul.