THE newly unveiled Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport has brought elements of Sunset Boulevard to the world’s seventh busiest airport. Activated in late-October, the redesign of the 40-year-old structure has seen more than 6,705m2 of space transformed into 21 new retail and dining destinations and common area improvements.
Los Angeles World Airports, Westfield and six operating partners injected US$70.5million into the T6 project, which complements the remodelled T2 which opened in February.
Inspired by the iconic Sunset Boulevard that weaves its way through Los Angeles County from the coast to downtown, the Terminal 6 experience is spread across the existing terminal components, with its winding hallways and varying elevations, in a design that mirrors the landmark route.
The concrete walls and metal finishes after the TSA checkpoint are similar to Downtown L.A., while a new ribbon ceiling and terrazzo floor leads travellers into the ‘Sunset Plaza’, flowing into the ‘Sunset Strip’ and ‘Garden Terrace’ zones, home to high-end retail and local dining akin to West Hollywood.
“We’re infusing the culture and spirit of Los Angeles into LAX,” Westfield’s Vice President Keith Kaplan commented.
New eateries include Californian inspired earthbar, Blu2o and The Habit Burger Grill, complemented by The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, Osteria by Fabio Viviani and Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Sample craft beers from a local brewery at Point the Way Caf, a hot beverage from Peet’s Coffee & Tea or order a favourite from either of the two Starbucks locations.
For last minute retail therapy, there’s M.Fredric, TUMI and Belkin outlets, along with a number of small retailers.
n Keep abreast of changes at LAX by visiting www.LAXisHappening.com.
