LONG BEACH, Calif. — Renovations to the historic terminal at Long Beach Airport will begin this week, with completion of the project expected in 2024.
The airport has been undergoing a series of renovations costing about $110 million. Built in 1941, the historic terminal is the fourth project with a price tag of about $17.8 million. The terminal is one detail that makes the airport unique and is a reminder of the aviation history for which the city of Long Beach is known.
City beaches were once used to test early airplanes before it even had an airport. Later, it became a hub for airplane manufacturing until 2015, when it produced its final C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane.
“The Historic Terminal is one of the most beloved architectural icons of [our] city,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in a news release. “These improvements represent our commitment to preserve its history for generations to come.”
The historic terminal, recognized by the city as a historic landmark, had early plans for commercial use delayed. The opening, scheduled for Jan. 11, 1941, was pushed back to Dec. 8 of that year because of the Pearl Harbor attacks that pushed the U.S. into World War II.
The building was painted in camouflage and used as a barracks and to store equipment until its formal opening in 1942.
“The Historic Terminal is the crown jewel of the Airport campus, and we look forward to restoring it to its former glory,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry in the release. “We are committed to preserving the building’s timeless look and feel for travelers to enjoy well into the future.”
Some repairs and updates have already begun, with more intensive renovations ahead. That includes a bathroom revamp and restoration of a mosaic by Grace Clements, who used 1.6 million tiles in 32 colors.
The airport plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary in November.