This past summer, arriving and departing passengers at Portland International Airport were able to enter the airport’s newly renovated main terminal for the first time. Built and designed by more than 30,000 local craftspeople, the new terminal doubled its capacity while maintaining the heart and character of an airport that consistently ranks among travelers’ favorites. The new terminal was designed by ZGF Architects, originally an Oregon-based firm, now with seven offices in North America.

“Our focus throughout this entire project was: How do we reflect the pride and love we all have for the region in the new PDX? And that question drove every decision,” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director, Port of Portland. “To work with locally-owned small businesses using local materials, to fill the new PDX with local art and shops from our favorite neighborhoods, and of course, to bring back the iconic carpet, it was a lot of local love for the Pacific Northwest that made it all happen.”

© PDX, courtesy of Port of Portland

Now, in both pre- and post-security areas, travelers have more places to eat, drink and shop. All new brands are local, and 60 percent include woman or minority ownership. From the feminist stationery and gift shop Paper Epiphanies to handmade pasta counter Grassa, these 20 new brands and returning PDX favorites are a mix of permanent retail locations and temporary kiosks, with even more local spots to come in Phase 2 of construction.

The neighborhood ambiance is not the only thing travelers find familiar. Throughout the new terminal, there are also touches of the region’s signature greenery and landscapes. There are towering live trees and plants, as well as soft daylight filters through the wooden roof, like light filtering through a forest canopy.

© PDX, courtesy of Port of Portland

“Every part of the new terminal design enhances the traveler journey and reduces stress,” said Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner, ZGF. “Travelers are immediately greeted with expansive views to the airfield, abundant natural light, and lush interior landscapes that evoke a walk through a Pacific Northwest forest.”

Improvements go beyond making the space more beautiful and light-filled, including technical upgrades as well, such as wider TSA checkpoints with new equipment (and more of it) to make the screening process more efficient. Travelers now check in at airline ticket counters arranged in four “islands” to accommodate future growth.

The $2.15 billion expansion is being completed in two phases. The next and final phase, to construct permanent exist lanes, meet and greet areas, and even more local shops and restaurants, will be completed by early 2026.