The New SLC: Unveiling Phase 3 of the Airport’s $5.1B Renovation
A closer look at the changes that are elevating SLC into a premium airport experience
Salt Lake City International Airport / Photo: Courtesy
October 2024 unveiled phase three of The New SLC Redevelopment Program, the latest chapter in Salt Lake City International Airport’s $5.1B reconstruction. With aims of upgrading capacity, streamlining procedures, and celebrating local culture, this stage further polishes The New SLC for generations of future use. Plus, with added gates and airlines, SLC is in prime position to become one of the most elevated gateways in the world.
SLC’s Steps to Success
Headed by Salt Lake City Department of Airports, this phased approach is a strategic one, designed to give the airport flexibility in the changing face of travel patterns and economic conditions. The first instalment of these works doubled the capacity of the on-site parking garage and developed a central terminal as well as portions of two new linear concourses. The next phase continued work on the concourses, and this latest stage ties the efforts together with a central tunnel that connects the concourses, along with new concessions and a range of local art installations.
Your Pre-Travel Voyage
River Tunnel by Gordon Huether / Photo: Courtesy
The central tunnel will be many passengers’ first look at the latest SLC makeover, and it doesn’t disappoint. Much more than a corridor, this tunnel has become a feature in its own right. Artist Gordon Huether transforms the space with his impressive installation, “The River Tunnel,” which incorporates aquamarine floor-to-ceiling wave panels and curved “fins” suspended from ceiling beams, giving the illusion of rolling swells.
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of Utah’s rivers, these sculptures inject a sense of place into the heart of SLC, compounded by the tunnel’s special soundscape. Huether has curated a playlist of over 100 Utah- and travel-themed anthems to play throughout the tunnel, immersing passengers in a unique, local-inspired journey before they commence on their own.
A Myriad Masterpiece
Northern Light by Gordon Huether / Photo: Courtesy
Exiting the tunnel into Concourse B will unveil more of Huether’s artistic enhancements, including “The Canyon 2.0” and “Northern Light”. The latter of which is an intricate, colorful structure made from 500 hand-drawn glass rods and 300 dichroic glass panels. Due to its wondrous light-refracting nature, Northern Light is an intriguing centerpiece, evoking a sense of awe from all who roam the concourse.
Swathed in History
The World Map by Julius Bartoli / Photo: Courtesy
The New SLC also sees “The World Map” restored on the floor of the Concourse B Plaza. First installed in the airport in 1960, this iconic terrazzo mosaic was dismantled into 75 separate 4×4 feet pieces and stored away until its relocation in the summer of 2024. “Ally the dinosaur,” the aptly named replica fossil skeleton, also features on the concourse. Donated to the airport by the Natural History Museum of Utah, this giant sculpture pays homage to the Allosaurus dinosaur, also known as Utah’s state fossil. Anchored in local history, these installations are key in positioning The New SLC as a major cultural hub across not only the state, but the country.
Shopping Potential
A dozen new concessions have been introduced as part of phase three, with operators such as Bambuza Hospitality Group, HMSHost, Marshall Retail Group, Paradies Lagardère, SLC Airport Concessions Group and SSP America representing a range of brands and concepts. Thanks to these additions you can now refuel ahead of your flight with local food stores like Sunday’s Best and Thirst, and even get a head start on souvenir shopping with local retailers like Cotopaxi, The Canyon, and Weller Book Works.
Overall, phase three has been a rampant success in refining The New SLC. Through structural adjustments, artistic installations, and thoughtful concessions, it’s clear this airport doesn’t take lightly its role as an inspirational landmark. As the development team look towards their next steps, it’s the perfect time to appreciate how much the airport has evolved into a premium player in the aviation industry.
