Mayor Joins Tulsa Airport Celebrating Renovated Hall, Says It’s Gateway To Tulsa

Airport leaders said it's one of the last but most important spaces to be remodeled at the Tulsa International Airport.

The airport held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday to commemorate the completion of the newly renovated Schwab Hall. They call it the 'living room' of the airport and after a yearlong face-lift, representatives said Schwab Hall finally fits the description; it’s now open and inviting. 

It was thousands of square feet reimagined. Airport CEO Alexis Higgins said the multimillion-dollar project complete was worth the wait.  

"It's all just supposed to reinforce that sense of comfort,” said Higgins. “The sense of ‘you're home and you belong here.’" 

Higgins said Schwab Hall is now an open concept with a large compass directing passengers as they enter to the security checkpoint. Higgins said that they modernized it while maintaining the integrity of the original space, by relocating a historic mural and proudly displaying a statue of the Medal of Honor recipient. 

“He made the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here,” said Higgins. “If we are going to change this what would that mean PFC Schwab and his legacy?" 

The project also included remodeling bathrooms, upgrading the heating and ventilation system, adding a new fire suppression system, and a new roof. Mayor G.T. Bynum spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, and said he was impressed by the 170-foot skylight extending from the entrance to the security checkpoint. 

"It is really striking to walk in here, to see the natural light coming in,” said Mayor Bynum at the ceremony on October 29. “It is just a beautiful setting."  

Mayor Bynum said the airport is the gateway to the city and is often passengers' first and last impression. 

"What we are focused on today is making Tulsa a globally competitive city,” said Mayor Bynum. “Being a city that attracts the best employees and employers in the whole world to our city, and the way they get to this city is through this airport." 

Airport leaders hope the upgrades will give the airport a competitive advantage on surrounding markets.  

For more information about the Tulsa International Airport, click here.