Airports have evolved from simple transit hubs to destinations in their own right. Across the country, teams like Abbott Construction, Structure Tone New Jersey, and Structure Tone Southwest are reshaping terminals into spaces that offer calm, comfort, and character. Built inside live, high-pressure settings, they bring together high-end lounges, spas, and curated retail into spaces that help passengers unwind and recharge.
SETTING THE BAR IN HOUSTON
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Structure Tone Southwest is overseeing preconstruction on what will become United Airlines’ most ambitious lounge yet: a 50,000sf global flagship built to elevate the traveler experience.
Building inside an active airport, however, brings a unique set of challenges. Security protocols are stringent, access is limited, foot traffic is high, and schedules are tight. Meeting these demands requires careful planning and constant coordination far beyond what a typical construction site faces.
“Everything takes longer at an airport,” says Tim Glenn, Regional Vice President at Structure Tone Southwest. “Deliveries, access, labor movement—it’s all more complex, and every task needs to be coordinated with airport operations to avoid disruption.”
Despite the complexity, the lounge is shaping up to be a space that impresses on multiple levels. Expansive open layouts will create a sense of calm and ease, while sophisticated lighting and thoughtful design elements pay homage to Houston’s rich and diverse culture.
“This one is about elevating the entire experience,” Glenn says. “It will be the most intricate, high-end lounge they’ve delivered to date—with a strong focus on lighting, openness, and regional design cues that reflect Houston’s culture and diversity.”
SEATTLE: FROM TRANSIT TO TRANQUILITY
Over in Seattle, Abbott Construction brought that same philosophy to life through details. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Abbott team recently completed several sophisticated amenity spaces designed to enhance the traveler experience, including a full-service restaurant, a wellness spa, and contemporary retail areas.
The complexity of the project was heightened by the need to work above active baggage corridors and adjacent to busy public walkways, necessitating meticulous logistical planning and unwavering attention to security protocols.
The spa features carefully selected finishes and hydro-massage elements that provide a serene oasis amid the airport’s bustle, while the retail space benefits from integrated lighting and custom display cases that elevate the shopping experience. Meanwhile, the restaurant maximizes a constrained footprint with a cleverly concealed mezzanine, blending functionality with a seamless guest-facing aesthetic.
“The idea was to build something that felt like a real destination,” says Abbott Construction senior project manager, Zach Tetreault. “Not just a stop along the way.”
EXPANDING COMFORT IN NEWARK
Careful coordination is also central to Structure Tone New Jersey as the project team is in the midst of executing an intricate expansion of United Airlines’ Polaris Lounge, adding a new 2,000sf dining room designed to alleviate congestion during peak travel times.
This project builds on the success of the original lounge, which has been a standout feature of Terminal C since its opening in 2018. The expansion demanded a highly coordinated effort, beginning with the relocation of an existing food storage area—a complex process that involved repurposing another space, installing a walk-in refrigerator, and securing approvals from the Port Authority and health department before construction could commence.
“We’re managing the same level of detail and coordination typical of much larger undertakings, but on a much tighter schedule,” says Michael Cortese, senior project manager at Structure Tone New Jersey.
The new dining space will feature upscale finishes such as custom millwork, refined lighting, full-height tile, and specialized non-cooking food service equipment, all carefully designed to complement the existing lounge’s aesthetic. This subtle yet significant enhancement prioritizes a seated dining experience further reinforcing United’s commitment to delivering elevated passenger comfort and brand consistency.
“These details matter,” Cortese says. “Travelers notice when a space is thoughtfully designed and executed, even in a fast-moving airport environment.
”The dining room is slated to open in mid-2025, providing much-needed relief and enhanced comfort for travelers.
ELEVATING EXPECTATIONS: THE FUTURE OF EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN AVIATION DESIGN
The driving forces behind these transformations are clear: heightened competition and evolving passenger expectations.
“Airlines are recognizing that how passengers feel inside the airport directly impacts their perception of the brand,” says Glenn. “The lounge isn’t just an amenity anymore—it’s a strategic part of the journey.”
More lounges are combining multiple functions—relaxation, dining, and retail—into a single, cohesive environment. That’s true in Houston, where United’s design is already influencing competitor plans, and in Newark, where a relatively small expansion is being handled with the same care.
“These spaces are getting more refined,” Cortese shares. “We’re seeing more premium materials, layered lighting, and coordinated finishes. It’s a more elevated approach that travelers notice.”
For Abbott, it’s about delivering consistent quality in difficult environments. “These projects are demanding but rewarding,” says Tetreault. “When you walk through the space after it opens and see people genuinely enjoying it—that’s the payoff.”
Looking ahead, all three teams agree that the evolution is far from complete. Airports are increasingly becoming dynamic spaces where brand identity, passenger comfort, and local culture intersect.
“Our goal is to shape how people feel about flying,” says Glenn. “If we can make someone say, ‘I actually enjoyed being at the airport,’ that’s the win.”