$112-MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE UNDERWAY AT LAX "GATEWAY LAX" PROGRAM: LARGEST RENOVATION OF AIRPORT SINCE 1984 OLYMPICS; FACELIFT WILL BEAUTIFY AIRPORT, ASSIST TRAVELERS

02/14/2000 12:00 AM

$112-MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE UNDERWAY AT LAX
"Gateway LAX"
Program: Largest Renovation of Airport Since 1984 Olympics; Facelift Will Beautify Airport, Assist Travelers

 

(Los Angeles, California - February 14, 2000) - Construction of a $112-million aesthetic upgrade to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) began recently under the "Gateway LAX" project.

This extensive overhaul of the western United States' premier international travel, trade and tourism hub is the most extensive series of improvements at LAX since the 1984 Olympic Games. The project is designed to make the facility more attractive and convenient for the nearly 63 million passengers who use the airport annually. It also is aimed at making the airport more user-friendly.

The upgrades will include a trademark-style series of lighted columns along Century Boulevard leading into the airport, new landscaping, improved signage and lighting, a new public address system for the Lower/Arrivals level, public art installations, and other practical and aesthetic improvements.

A significant number of upgrades is anticipated to be completed in time for the peak summer tourist season.

"The 'Gateway LAX' project will secure Los Angeles International Airport's place as a sophisticated, world-class landmark all Angelenos can be proud to claim as their own," said Mayor Riordan. "LAX is our city's portal to the world so we should make it the best it can be for all travelers, no matter what language they speak, where they come from or where they are going," he said.

"Our intention with the 'Gateway LAX' project, which has the subtheme "Welcome Upgrades at L.A.'s World Class Airport," is to enhance the LAX experience for the 63 million passengers who utilize this airport each year," said John J. Agoglia, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners.

Lydia Kennard, who as interim executive director oversees LAX and three other City airport operations at Ontario, Van Nuys and Palmdale, added: "The idea that we are creating a more attractive LAX and creating jobs to go along with meeting this goal, is very exciting to all of us at LAWA."

Major elements of the "Gateway LAX" program includes:

    • A trademark-style series of lighted columns leading into airport entrances with the Century Boulevard entrance featuring "LAX" in 30-foot high letters.
    • An overhaul of the signage and graphics identifying airport terminals, airlines, parking and roadways.
    • Improvements to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks within the airport and in new greenbelts extending to and along Century Boulevard.
    • Lighting enhancements that will make signage easier to see and draw attention to architectural improvements, artwork and landscaping.
    • A new, clearer sounding public address system will be installed on the Arrivals level that will be linked to the fire/life/safety system in order to broadcast emergency information in a timely and effective manner.
    • New landscaping and vegetation, providing shade and greenery from numerous vantage points.
    • Public art installations in the form of murals, mosaics, sculptures and statues to reflect the local artistry of a multi-cultural city.

The $112-million "Gateway LAX" program will be financed with short-term bonds that will be repaid with airport revenues from parking and concession fees. The design firm of Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects of Marina del Rey provided the concepts, while several management firms were hired to develop various projects within the program.

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