Gary Airport Approves FBO Expansion Plans
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board has approved the expansion of one of its fixed-base operators. The airport says plans for B. Coleman Aviation’s expansion include up to $20 million in investment and the construction of up to five new hangars.
The expansion is expected to create up to 30 full-time positions and 50-70 construction jobs. The first phase of the project is set to begin within the next year with the construction of a 40,000 square-foot hangar. The FBO will make a minimum initial investment of $5 million for the first phase.
B. Coleman will also begin paying rent immediately on a new, 30-year ground lease for property just north of its current location at the airport. The airport says future phases of the project will allow for the construction of four additional hangars and additional investments of $15 million.
"In the past two years, our business at Gary/Chicago International Airport has grown significantly and we no longer have enough space to meet demand," said John Girzadas, president of B. Coleman Aviation. "We are excited about the future growth prospects for the airport. Our plans to grow reflect not only where we think the airport is today, but where it is going in the future."
The announcement comes about two months after the airport completed the $2.4 million renovation of its crosswind runway. In June 2015, the airport also completed a $174 million runway extension.