Historic $900 Million Green Build Expansion Opens at San Diego International Airport

Aug. 13, 2013
Features Include 10 New Gates, Dual-Level Roadway, New Dining/Shopping Options and Expanded Security Checkpoint

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Green Build expansion at San Diego International Airport opened to passengers today, marking the completion of the largest project in the airport's history. The Green Build was completed on schedule and is expected to be $45 million under budget.

Key features of The Green Build include:

10 new gates to reduce terminal congestion and provide expanded, more comfortable passenger waiting areas; highlights include new seating equipped with built-in cup holders, electrical outlets and USB ports Dual-level roadway to relieve curb-front traffic congestion by separating arriving and departing passengers Enhanced curbside check-in, allowing passengers to print boarding passes, check baggage and view gate information at one of 27 easy-to-use curbside kiosks or 32 airline/Skycap counter check-in positions before entering the terminal New security checkpoint with more security lanes to improve flow of passengers through the terminal, keeping lines and security wait times down; up to 12 lanes can be opened during peak travel periods, as needed, increased from six New 25,000 square-foot ticket lobby, with 32 airline counter check-in positions and 10 self-service kiosks Expanded, 9,200 square-foot concessions area called Sunset Cove, where passengers can relax before their flights and take in views of the airfield and Point Loma More dining and shopping options, including Saffron, Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar, Seaside Stack Shack, Qdoba, Red Mango and Tommy V's Pizzeria, located in Sunset Cove. Other shops and restaurants in the terminal expansion include Warwick's of La Jolla, Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Brooks Brothers, Swarovski, PGA Tour Shops, Stone Brewing Co. and Phil's BBQ

Called "The Green Build" due to the Airport Authority's commitment to sustainability and the environment, as well as positive economic impact, the project created a role for 7,000 workers, including local, small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. A positive outcome of the Airport Authority's aggressive small business outreach program was that more than $415 million in contracts were awarded to local businesses, with $118 million going to small businesses.

"The Green Build takes San Diego International Airport to a new level," said Thella F. Bowens, president/CEO of the Airport Authority. "We're excited for travelers to experience all of the benefits of the expansion, which will make their traveling experience easier and less stressful. And we're proud of the economic benefit this project brought to the region, including construction jobs and work for local businesses. The Green Build was a huge success all around."

The Green Build is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council—a testament to the airport's commitment to sustainability—and may achieve LEED Gold. Official LEED status is currently under consideration and is expected by mid-2014.

The Green Build was funded by user fees, airport revenue bonds, airport cash and FAA grants. The project is expected to finish $45 million under budget at a total cost of $907 million—$820 million for the project and the remainder in financing costs. A portion of the savings was the result of the Airport Authority's two successful bond sales. The organization was able to secure significantly low true interest cost of 3.92% (2013) and 4.38% (2010), saving millions over the life of the bonds.

To learn more about The Green Build and to find high-resolution photography, visit http://sandiegoairport.porternovelli.com/.

SOURCE San Diego International Airport