In line with its $608 million signature project, Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina is set to open its Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) east side by the end of October. The upgraded facility will provide approximately 90,000 sq. ft. of additional circulation space and access to the east subterranean walkway.
Earlier in October, the airport showcased the crown jewel of the development as the new home for its bronze statue of Queen Charlotte, which will overlook the baggage claim area.
“It’s a wonderful day as Queen Charlotte is back to welcome visitors to her city once again,” said CEO Haley Gentry speaking at the statue unveiling. “Through all the construction, the development and growth, Queen Charlotte has been the constant. We are thrilled to bring her back inside so she can faithfully watch as we continue to build an airport fit for the Queen.”
The 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture was originally dedicated to the airport in 1990 and was funded by a private group known as the Queen’s Table, who donated $250,000 for a statue that would symbolise the city and greet passengers passing through the air transport hub.
In addition to housing the statue, features of the airport lobby’s expansion east side include large, picturesque windows, terrazzo flooring throughout, bright blue tiles framing the entrances and exits and architectural-detailed scalloped ceilings. Eight artists were selected to create pieces for the renovated lobby with suspended sculptures, murals and other artistic touches located throughout the facility.
The end of October will see Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) Checkpoint 1 open with eight screening lanes, including six Automatic Screening Lanes.
Following the opening of the west side in July 2022 and the east side in October, the next phase includes renovating the remainder of the original lobby, finishing the 146,000 sq. ft. canopy to protect people from inclement weather while being dropped in front of the terminal and subterranean walkways so visitors can bypass airport traffic.
