The first phase of a three-part Terminal B redevelopment project at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental is nearing completion, and city officials, United Airlines representatives and area stakeholders gathered for a behind-the-scenes look at the brand new, state-of-the-art concourse on Monday.
United dedicated $97 million of the $160 million total cost for the 225,000-square-foot concourse, which will serve as the launching point for United Express regional flights.
"Terminal B south was built with more of the features our customers tell us they value — more seats, more space, more concessions, more outlets and Wi-Fi," Kate Gebo, United's vice-president of corporate real estate, said in a statement.
"It's great to see United opening this terminal and investing in Houston."
Approximately 15,000 square feet of the space is dedicated to 17 food, beverage and retail concessions, including Starbucks, Whataburger, Famous Famiglia, Fresh Gourmet Marketplace, Panda Express and Bullrito's.
Among nationally-known names are two locally-grown concepts: The 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House, a down-scaled version of Houston chef Bryan Caswell and co-owner Bill Floyd's popular Reef, and The Frutería, a concept from San Antonio-based celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez.
"I think it's very exciting to have local minority partners teaming with local restaurateurs and national concessions operators," Cindy Clifford, owner of the Clifford Group, told CultureMap. "It's great to see United opening this terminal and investing in Houston."
Government officials and concessions tenants gathered to celebrate the near-completion of George Bush Intercontinental's Terminal B south concourse.
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