Airport News
MBS International Airport has officially opened a US$55 million (£34.3 million) passenger terminal at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by 300 dignitaries and community leaders.
According to Midland Daily News, the 75,000ft² is constructed of steel and glass and is said to represent the natural characteristics of the Great Lakes region. The first flights from the new terminal are scheduled for the morning of 31 October.
Planning of the passenger terminal began in 2006 with construction commencing in 2008 and consisting of 14 phases. Reynolds, Smith and Hills Inc. designed the terminal and the final design reflects a “cross-pollination” of ideas from about 500 people, Martin Wander, the lead architect on the project, told Midland Daily News.
The building includes many natural materials indigenous to the area, such as copper and white pine, with pillars throughout the terminal resembling towering trees inspired by the region’s rich lumbering history. The copper-clad mechanicals that stretch the length of the terminal’s ceiling are designed to capture Mid-Michigan’s vast waterways and the state’s copper mining industry.
According to Midland Daily News, passengers will enjoy updated features and amenities including expanded concession options on both sides of the security checkpoint, an outdoor courtyard and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling glass windows designed to let in more natural light and provide views of all incoming and outgoing flights.
