View of new observation deck looking from airport ramp and runways toward SFO Terminal 2. Gates are located beyond the lower left corner of this image. Scroll down for another view (Rendering: SFO)
Starting this month, the old air traffic control tower at San Francisco International Airport will come down, making room for a new outdoor public observation deck– a rarity at U.S. airports.
Last year SFO opened its shapely new control tower, making the old one obsolete…and a barrier to the full apron view required from the new tower.
So starting this month the old tower will be removed progressively with the aid of a crane, along with scaffolding on the upper floors of the building. Construction teams plan to have the top “cab” section of the former tower removed by the end of March.
SFO’s old tower coming down to make room for new public viewing platform with expansive views (Photo: Monte Deignan)
The project, budgeted at $55 million, will also remove the base structure below the former tower, which dates back to 1954 and does not meet current seismic requirements.
In its place, will be a new facility that will include offices, a café, and a glassed in public observation area, as the location affords views of all four runways at SFO. An airport spokesperson told TravelSkills that the plan is to have a pre-security entry point to the viewing area, which means you can enter it without having an airline ticket.
Eventually SFO will have another perch from which to peer at planes- a rooftop lounge atop the new on-airport Hyatt Regency — however its views will not be as commanding.
UPDATE: Check out how Alaska Airlines plans to add a new rooftop lounge and deck at SFO!
One of the best things about Tokyo Haneda is the big open air rooftop tarmac and runway-viewing area. Wow! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
The project scope also includes an additional aircraft boarding gate in Terminal 2, anticipated to be ready for use by the end of March- just in time for Alaska Airlines big SFO expansion.
All phases of the project are expected to be completed by the end of January 2019. See you on the deck!
Outdoor observation decks at airport are relatively rare in the US… only recently has Delta added them to Sky Clubs in Atlanta and New York. The Star Alliance lounge in LAX has one, too, but views are limited.
What’s your favorite vantage point for plane spotting? Visited an outdoor viewing area before? Where? Please share your observations in the comments!
Here’s another look at the new SFO public viewing platform, looking up from the ramp toward T2 (Rendering: SFO)
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