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With the additions of six airline gates and seven restaurants, the expansion of Portland International Airport‘s Concourse E is a big deal for travelers.

The 830-foot-long expansion, designed by Hennebery Eddy Architects and Denver-based Fentress Architects, is one project of many large ones within the Port of Portland’s huge PDX Next initiative. Others that will take place over the next several years include: remodels of concourses A and B, construction of larger security checkpoints, refurbishment of ticketing and baggage drop spaces, and the addition of rental car space. Work is expected to continue through at least 2024.

The $215 million Concourse E project is about five months from completion; it’s expected open in June. Skanska USA Building, the project’s general contractor, also is working with Hoffman Construction as a joint venture on the upcoming overhaul of the main terminal and security checkpoints, among other improvements.

The concourse expansion is taller than the existing section and has a lot more windows that will let in a lot of natural light. Three types of glazing with different opacity are being used.

In addition, the south side will feature a curtain wall system to maximize natural light and minimize heat gain inside. This feature and others are contributing to pursuit of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating.

Right now, a host of craft workers are working on both the interior and exterior of the concourse extension. Carpenters, plasterers and laborers with Performance Contracting Inc. are framing the interior walls, ceilings and soffits, and also applying fireproofing. Meanwhile, plasterers and laborers with Professional Lath and Plaster are applying acoustic dampening material to the same walls prior to painting.

Electricians from Oregon Electric Group and O’Neill Electric are also busy with interior work, while flooring specialist Top End Terrazzo of Los Angeles is installing terrazzo tile.