Feb. 22—Long Beach Airport's Historic Terminal will shut down for about a year to undergo a $17.8 million restoration aimed at bringing the building back to its mid-century architectural glory, the city has announced.
Construction on the terminal broke ground in January 1941, with a tentative public opening slated for Dec. 8 that same year. But those plans were thwarted when Japan launched its surprise military strike on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, launching the U.S. into World War II.
"The Pearl Harbor attack delayed the opening, led to the cancellation of all commercial flights," this week's city news release said, "and resulted in the building being painted in camouflage and used as lodging for soldiers and military equipment."
The terminal — which boasted elements of the 1930's sleek Streamline Moderne design and geometric abstraction, according to the release — formally opened to the public in April 1942. Nearly 50 years later, the building was given historic monument status by the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission.
Now, Long Beach is looking to restore many of the terminal's classic design elements and history — while modernizing its infrastructure.
"The Historic Terminal is one of the most beloved architectural icons of our city," Mayor Rex Richardson said in the release. "These improvements represent our commitment to preserve its history for generations to come."
The terminal will be seismically retrofitted, the release said, alongside bathroom and general infrastructure enhancements. A 1.6 million tile mosaic artwork, which lines the first and second floors of the terminal, will be restored, the Tuesday, Feb. 21, release said — as will the Art Deco-style western entrance of the terminal, which has been closed for decades.
After the renovation, the terminal's first floor will house rental car customer service and the second floor will be home to LGB administrators.
The $17.8 million effort is the fourth project in the Long Beach Terminal Area Improvement Program. Two other major projects, including the new Ticketing Lobby and a checked baggage inspection facility, were completed in last spring — and construction on a new baggage claim area is currently ongoing.
The Historic Terminal is anticipated to reopen in early 2024 — just a few months after the airport's 100th anniversary in November.
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