PHOTOS: PDX airport debuts 'immersive, forest-like' terminal Aug. 14

With the addition of 72 live trees, designers behind the terminal said the intention is to recreate a "walk in the forest."

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A newly renovated terminal designed to immerse travelers in "Pacific Northwest landscapes" is debuting at the PDX Airport on August 14.

Officials with the Portland of Portland announced earlier this year that the public unveiling of the new main terminal would happen in August but on Wednesday they gave the specific date.

With the addition of 72 live trees, designers behind the terminal said the intention is to recreate a "walk in the forest." It will also mark the return of pre-security shopping and dining, meaning people can enjoy the new terminal without having to buy a plane ticket.

“We wanted to evoke Pacific Northwest landscapes so it felt like you arrived before you left the airport. And we were very intentional about the placement of the plants," said J.P. Paull, a principle at PLACE, one of the local landscape architects on the design team being led by ZGF. "We worked together to identify the primary stress zones as people go through an airport—like ticketing and security—and that's where we focused on creating immersive, forest-like scenes.”

The Aug. 14 opening date represents the conclusion of phase 1 construction. However, more renovations will still be happening at the airport, with phase 2 to beginning on Aug. 15 and wrapping up in the winter of 2025/26.

The Port of Portland had delayed the phase 1 public opening from May to August after a series "close calls" on the worksite prompted them to pause construction.