Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is in the midst of a major modernization and expansion project for its north satellite building, the hub for Alaska Airlines.

Port of Seattle spokesman Perry Cooper said that when the project is complete, its windows will perfectly frame the surrounding mountains.

“It’s going to have views that we don’t have anywhere else in the airport, of Rainier and the Olympics,” he said. “You can’t see Rainier anywhere in the airport now.”

Project manager Ken Warren said the time was right to transform the 45-year old facility. “Seismically, it wasn’t up to today’s codes and standards,” he said. “We want to reinforce the structure.”

In addition to making the updates needed to help the building withstand an earthquake, Warren said that the new interior will be lighter and brighter than the original 1970s design.

A wave of windows on the roof, which Warren refers to as the “river,” will let the sunshine in.

The project is being completed in two phases construction manager Rad Milosavljevic explained. First, crews are building an addition. They broke ground in February 2017.

“Right now, we’re doing the easy part,” he said.

Renovating the current terminal will be more complicated, Milosavljevic said, as the gates will continue to operate during construction.

“It’s going to be very complex, but we have contractors who are up to the task,” he said.

Phase one is expected to open in the second quarter of 2019. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2021.

The Port of Seattle is spending an estimated $549.9 million on the project, and Alaska Airlines is contributing $36.8 million.

“We’re on schedule, and we’re on budget,” Milosavljevic said. “There have been some challenges, but not as many as we expected.”

Once completed, the terminal will have eight additional gates, a new rooftop Alaska Airlines lounge, a refurbished lobby, and double the dining and retail space.

Warren said that the goal is to obtain LEED Silver status once complete. During construction, crews are tracking all of the materials and recycling whatever they can.

The new facility will capture rainwater off the roof to supply restrooms, saving an estimated 750,000 gallons of water annually. The building will also use energy efficient lighting, as well as heating and cooling methods.

Jeffrey Brown, director of aviation facilities and capital projects, said that the updated north satellite is needed to support the airport’s rapid growth.

“This project addresses our current demands,” he said. “It’s also important for Alaska Airlines. Its timing is perfect with the recent growth of passengers in Seattle.”

Megan Ouellette, managing director of government affairs for Alaska Airlines, said renovation and expansion will allow for consolidated operations.

“It’s all part of our focus on elevating our guests’ experiences,” she said.