PORTLAND, Oregon (KPTV) – After years of planning and construction, Portland International Airport’s main terminal finally opened Wednesday and is already causing a stir.

“I got goosebumps coming down the escalator, I thought, ‘This is what’s happening,'” said Malia Sajko, owner of Portland-based Hello.

The terminal features a new ceiling made from locally sourced Douglas fir, a mix of real trees and greenery, and a selection of restaurants and shops, all open before security.

People could be seen at the airport on Wednesday taking photos of the renovations and checking out the new shops. Passengers said they were glad that PDX retained some of its old charm, such as the iconic green carpet, but they were also happy to see the much-needed upgrades.

“When people come to our city, this is the first thing they see, and it leaves a good first impression for those who are here for the first time,” said Andy Alfonso, who took a flight Wednesday afternoon.

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Airport officials said it was important to maintain some of PDX’s classic elements, but it was also important to create a brand new space that highlights the city of Portland and the greater Pacific Northwest.

“They wanted us to keep the old parts of PDX, but grow and build a spectacular and, I think, world-class building,” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland.

According to Robinhold, the new renovations took nine years to plan and involved 30,000 people to make it happen.

There are 22 new shops to discover in the main terminal. All are local and 60% of them are owned by women or people of color.

“This is really Portland,” Sajko said. “We are doers, we are women, we all come together. I just think sometimes the wrong message gets across, so it’s exciting to have this here. This is really us.”

Airport officials hope the new concept will make travel more efficient, but still recommend that passengers arrive at the airport a few hours before their scheduled departure.

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