In the summer of 2025, Swinerton proudly completed design-build for the new Terminal 1 Parking Plaza at San Diego International Airport (SAN). The new Parking Plaza improves access and convenience for travelers and supports the airport’s ongoing modernization.

Working in partnership with a joint venture, Swinerton led the design-build delivery of a five-story, two-million-square-foot parking structure offering 5,230 parking stalls, located just steps from the new Terminal 1. The Parking Plaza is a key component of SAN’s transformation and was designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind.

The facility includes:

• External speed ramp and three elevator banks for efficient vertical circulation
• Advanced parking guidance system to help drivers quickly locate open stalls
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, one-hour pickup spaces, and a free tire-inflation station
• Distinctive wayfinding cores with natural light and ventilation
• Color-coded sections and graphic schemes to simplify navigation

Swinerton also self-performed a significant portion of the construction, including:

• Concrete
• Expansion joints
• Doors, frames, and hardware
• Framing and drywall
• Specialty installations

The Parking Plaza was delivered in two stages. The first stage opened in August 2024, adding over 2,800 spaces. The second stage opened in September 2025, bringing the total to 5,230 spaces adjacent to Terminal 1. Combined with Terminal 2, SAN now offers nearly 8,500 close-in parking spaces.

This expansion coincides perfectly with the highly anticipated opening of the new Terminal 1, which officially welcomed travelers at the end of September 2025. Together, the new terminal and Parking Plaza provide a seamless experience, giving passengers greater accessibility and convenience as they begin or end their journeys in San Diego.

The Parking Plaza incorporates several sustainability and safety features:

• A stormwater capture and reuse system to prevent runoff into San Diego Bay
• Glass-backed elevators and open stairwells to enhance visibility
• Over 1,000 designated spots for clean vehicles, including carpool and electric/hybrid cars
• 185 EV charging ports and 20 close-in one-hour spaces for quick pickups and drop-offs

Located at 3501 North Harbor Drive, the Parking Plaza is a crucial part of the airport’s broader Terminal 1 redevelopment. With the new terminal now open, the Parking Plaza enhances the overall traveler experience, streamlining access to check-in, security, and new passenger amenities.

Swinerton is honored to contribute to this milestone project, helping shape the future of travel in San Diego.