Restored historic terminal to reopen at Long Beach Airport this month

Long Beach Airport will celebrate the reopening of its Historic Terminal building, which has been closed for more than a year for extensive renovations, later this month.

The $17.8 million project is part of a $125 million terminal improvements program and includes a seismic retrofit and restoration of the building’s classic 1941 design elements.

The Historic Terminal building was designed by renowned architects William Horace Austin and Kenneth Smith Wing. The building originally was scheduled to open on Dec. 8, 1941, but the attack on Pearl Harbor the prior day delayed those plans. The Airport formally opened on April 25, 1942.

“As Long Beach Airport celebrates its centennial, the reopening of the historic landmark allows the community to celebrate in a way that was not possible in wartime,” city officials said in a statement.

LGB is hosting a public open house of the Streamline Moderne-style building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 27.

Attendees will be among the first to see the terminal’s return to its former glory and the event will feature tours, music, children’s activities, giveaways and light refreshments, organizers said. Three hours of free parking is available in Parking Structure B.

“Long Beach Airport’s Historic Terminal is one of the city’s most beloved architectural treasures, and I’m proud of the careful work that has been done to preserve its history and make improvements that will ensure it’s enjoyed for generations to come,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement.

The terminal upgrades included seismic retrofits; restoring the iconic west entrance, which has been closed for decades; new west bay windows; preservation work on the wall clock and the terminal’s original signage; the uncovering of artist Grace Clements’ full mosaic masterwork; modernized restrooms and administrative offices; converting the former ticket-sales area into a car rental facility; and other improvements.

“This renovation project restores many of the classic building features that haven’t been seen by the public in years,” 4th District Councilman Daryl Supernaw said in a statement. “I’m delighted that this icon of Long Beach architecture will continue to be part of daily operations at the airport, to be enjoyed by travelers for decades to come.”

More details on the project are available at lgb.org.