In a demonstration of commitment to Seattle and SeaTac, Alaska Airlines broke ground on a new  $32 million corporate "Hub" building on Thursday May 3, just south of the airport at 19225 International Blvd. The site is the former location of the former Sandstone Inn.

The ceremony marking the event included brief remarks by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Washington 9th Dist. Rep. Adam Smith, King County Executive Dow Constantine, SeaTac Mayor Michael J. Siefkes. State Senator Karen Keiser was also on hand. Alaska Airlines CEO Alaska Airlines spoke briefly and was joined by the company's Board of Directors. Tilden said, "As we continue to grow our workforce in Seattle, this new facility will bring together employees and improve collaboration."

The new building will be a six story office building with a parking garage and will be ready for occupancy by late 2019 or early 2020. The site is large enough to accommodate the potenial later construction of an additional three buildings.

The new facility will be known as “The Hub” and will link the corporate headquarters east of International Blvd. and the flight training center west of 28th Avenue South.

It will house the airline’s integrated operations center the nerve center of operations for the airline.

The Hub will include space for support functions and will be a recruiting center.

"Alaska Airlines has grown significantly over the past several years. In the last five years alone, the number of Alaska Air Group employees has grown by 76 percent. As we continue to grow our workforce in our hometown, this new facility will bring together frontline employees and management and improve collaboration," said Tilden. 

The Hub will be constructed on a 6.8-acre site that Alaska Airlines acquired in January and where demolition is already underway.  "Alaska Airlines has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to its employees and the broader community, here in SeaTac and throughout the Puget Sound region," said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. "This hometown airline deeply embodies the Northwest spirit and values. As a major employer in this state for more than 60 years, Alaska's investments in the community demonstrate its long-term vision and contribute to its success."

Designed by the architecture firm NBBJ, the Hub will include centralized space dedicated to a number of functions that support frontline employees. In addition to serving as a recruiting center, the Hub will be home to the uniform fit center, Company Store and provide a functional and efficient workspace for the operations centers for Alaska and Horizon as well as the e-commerce team and some ITS employees.

"The City of SeaTac commends Alaska for its thoughtful advance coordination and careful planning with the City," said Michael Siefkes, SeaTac City Mayor. "We are encouraged by Alaska Airlines' clear vision and commitment to transform this site into a modern and pedestrian-friendly environment for its expanding workforce." 

Redevelopment plans include creating a campus environment that allows Alaska employees and guests to walk safely and conveniently between buildings. In the initial phase, Alaska will also construct a privately funded, publicly accessible pedestrian crossing of International Boulevard marked with traffic signals to enhance pedestrian safety.

The furniture, fixtures and more removed from the former Sandstone Inn were recycled and donated to Habitat for Humanity.