Memphis International Airport (MEM) gave a sneak peek of its brand-new Concourse B on Facebook Tuesday, and the modernization project has the new space looking, well, modern.
MEM released several photos, which closely match the renderings of the project it has released over the years. Planning for the modernization project was made public in 2014, the same year demolition began on parts of Concourses A and C.
The project kicked off in 2018. Demolition of the old Concourse B began in January 2019. The latest public budget figure puts the price tag of the new space at around $245 million; no local tax dollars funded the project.
Have a look at the new space in this gallery:
Here’s how airport officials explain just what they hope to achieve with the new concourse:
Consolidation of airlines: Airlines were spread out across three concourses, but the modernization project will move all airline operations to Concourse B. While Concourses A and C will be closed, gates will be retained in these areas to accommodate future growth. Until the consolidation, Concourses A and C will remain fully operational.
• Consolidation of retail, food, and beverage: Retail operations will also be consolidated into Concourse B. This will expose vendors to a concentrated flow of passengers and will likewise provide passengers with more shopping and dining options.
• Higher ceilings, larger gate areas, moving walkways, and increased natural lighting: The modernized B Concourse will provide passengers with more room to move, additional natural lighting, and higher ceilings to create a more open environment. Moving walkways will also help improve the passenger experience.
The new concourse will also have:
• children’s play area
• stage for live music in Rotunda area
• additional lounge areas
• additional charging stations
