Take a look at the future of Tampa International Airport

TAMPA When Joe Lopano talks about what Tampa International Airport will look like in the future, he sounds more like a real estate developer than the airport's CEO.

Other times, he sounds like he's planning a romantic evening.

"You have a little something to eat, maybe a glass of wine," Lopano said Thursday. "You watch the sunset. Then you go to the airside and get on your plane.

"It will be completely awesome."

The airport's CEO was showing off renderings of what TIA will look like when the airport's $943 million expansion and renovation project is completed in 2017. Airport officials said the new renderings are very close to what the finished product will look like.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which oversees the airport, on Thursday also approved more than $330 million in contracts a third of the project's total price.

"It's a big, audacious plan," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who sits on the aviation board. "It's expensive, but in the long term I think it's the right decision. I think it will allow Tampa International Airport to prosper and grow for decades to come."

The new renderings showed that glass and steel will be added to the concrete exterior that has dominated the airport's architecture since the main terminal opened in 1971.

Skanska USA was awarded the second phase of a contract to gut, expand and renovate the main terminal, adding 55,000 square-feet. That contract was worth $32 million. Construction is set to start this month and run through November 2017. The airport is also taking bids to replace all of its eating, drinking and shopping options by 2017.

Lopano was particularly enamored with the big new outdoor terraces that will be added on the east and west sides of the third-floor transfer level of the expanded terminal. Airport patrons will be able to sit outside and grab a bite while watching the sunset on the new west terrace or stargaze with a glass of wine on the east side.

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Take a look at the future of Tampa International Airport