Tenant Construction

Designing and building facilities in an airport environment is an exciting and unique undertaking requiring an experienced team that understands how to deliver work within strict operating procedures and pays close attention to the detailed project requirements and timelines. Safety and security concerns are paramount for all airport projects, no matter the size. The Airport’s primary function is to serve as a safe, secure, and efficient aviation transportation complex. Awareness of infrastructure systems requires due diligence and strict adherence to Authority stated uniform design and construction standards to guarantee the highest degree of reliability.

If you are a current or prospective airport tenant or a design and/or construction entity serving an airport tenant, you will find here the key documents and forms you need to manage a tenant improvement project at SAN. For food & beverage, retail, club lounge and other passenger service lessees, this process begins with a careful study of the manuals and the Tenant Improvement Roadmap. For all other tenants, please see the Non-Concession Design Manual (N-CDM).

New Terminal 1

The Terminal has a distinctive identity whose architecture is inspired by San Diego’s sun, geology, flora and fauna. The concession program takes its cue from the nautical and cultural heritage of the region.

Passengers enter the level 2 ticketing hall either through elevated sky bridges or escalators from the arrivals curb. Once through the grand ticketing hall, one is immersed in the light filled space with floor to ceiling art glass on the south side. The space will be sun filled by day, and illuminated at night like a jewel-box, glowing from within. Passenger check in services and TSA security checkpoint queues that lead to the concourse are on the north side.

The linear T1 concourse directs customers both east and west. Retail, food, and beverage offerings are located within expansive dining halls that provide inviting spaces, where passengers can rest, shop, have a bite to eat, or take in a show. Concourse departure lounges are designed with hospitality in mind, to deliver an elevated and relaxing guest experience, like that of an airline lounge. A variety of seating offers passengers choice, while strategically placed concessions that are close by give the opportunity to dine or shop while waiting to depart. Arriving passengers are guided from the concourse, past the varied concessionaire offerings to level 1 baggage claim carrousels.

Concessionaires are to provide a strong presence with a distinctive identity within the Terminal. Concessionaires will explore unique design solutions including signage and storefront compositions to maximize their presence within their space. Concessions spaces will blend into the building within a defined design control zone that will set standards for finishes and signage. Refer to the 2023 Terminal 1 Design Manual for additional base building information, imagery, and layouts.

Design Manuals

• Terminal 1 – Concessions Design Manual (CDM)
• Terminal 1 – Non-Concessions Design Manual (NCDM)

Terminal 2 East

Terminal 2 is divided by two separate ticketing lobbies that define Terminal 2 East (T2E) and Terminal 2 West (T2W).

Terminal 2 East (T2E)
The Terminal has a distinctive identity that represents the sun, sand, and sea with an aviation material palette. Passengers enter the ticketing lobby through an elevated sky bridge or escalators from the arrivals curb. The entry lobby has high ceilings filled with abundant natural light. There are visual connections to the departing passenger TSA security checkpoint queues that lead to the concourse. The T2E concourse transitions to lower ceilings and more intimate passenger hold rooms and amenities. The dramatic dining cove has a central seating area that anchors the food establishments and provides views of the airfield.

Concessionaires are to provide a strong presence and distinctive identity within the Terminal. They will explore unique design solutions including signage and storefront compositions to maximize their presence within their space. Concessions spaces are provided with a neutral frame and sign band incorporated into base building finishes. Refer to the 2023 Design Manual for additional base building information, imagery, and layouts.

Concessions Design Manual

• SAN Campus – 2023 Tenant Improvement Design Manual

Terminal 2 West

Terminal 2 is divided by two separate ticketing lobbies that define Terminal 2 East (T2E) and Terminal 2 West (T2W).

Terminal 2 West (T2W)
The Terminal has a distinctive identity that represents the sun, sand, and sea with an aviation material palette. Passengers enter the ticketing lobby through an elevated sky bridge or escalators from the arrivals curb. The entry lobby has high ceilings filled with abundant natural light. There are visual connections to the departing passenger TSA security checkpoint queues and to returning passenger baggage claim carrousels. The T2W spacious north and west concourses include hold room, concession and passenger amenities. The concourses are connected by a grand space called “Sunset Cove” which serves as the primary focal point of the project. This dramatic two-story space, that provides views to the airfield, is where passenger information, concessions, dining rotunda and artwork blend together. The space is refined and modern, yet warm in its interpretation of the sun, sand, and sea and aviation imagery.

Concessionaires are to provide a strong presence and distinctive identity within the Terminal. They will explore unique design solutions including signage and storefront compositions to maximize their presence within their space. Concessions spaces are provided with a neutral frame and sign band incorporated into base building finishes. Refer to the 2023 Design Manual for additional base building information, imagery, and layouts.

Concessions Design Manual

• SAN Campus – 2023 Tenant Improvement Design Manual

Non-Terminal Projects

San Diego International Airport Campus

The Tenant Improvement Program for the San Diego International Airport encompasses a wide array of projects aimed at improving and expanding its 661-acre campus infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of air travel and enhance passenger experience. Terminals 1 and 2 are served by campus facilities including an Administration Building, Airport Support Building, Rental Car Center and various Facilities & Maintenance buildings and equipment sites.

San Diego International Airport operates the busiest single runway in the country. A secure Airport Operation Area (AOA) fence surrounds the site and expansive areas of concrete and asphalt cover the runway, taxiways, on-airport roads, extensive utilities, hydrant fueling operations and a storm water system with cistern tanks. On-site parking is available for customers. The campus is also serviced by airport shuttle buses, public buses and designated areas for taxis and ride-share pickups.

Work in areas exterior to the terminals are handled by a wide range of tenants with leaseholds that include airlines, rental car companies, wireless providers, hydrant fueling storage & distribution operations, freight distribution companies and more. All Tenant work must be closely coordinated with on-going airport operations, safety and security protocols and strict environmental criteria. Buildouts may require local, state and/or federal reviews.

Resources, guidelines, and forms for eligible tenants seeking work in areas exterior to the terminals are provided below.

Concessions Design Manual

• SAN Campus – 2023 Tenant Improvement Design Manual