Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Thursday that Midway (MDW) will receive its largest investment in almost a decade.
The project will cost about $248 million and include the expansion of the concession facilities, terminal parking garage and security checkpoints – concerns travelers have pointed out for years.
“Midway is more than an airport,” says Emanuel. “It is an important economic engine for the city of Chicago, so with this modernization we are making an essential investment in the future of Midway but also the future of Chicago. These enhancements will create jobs for Chicago’s residents, provide an improved experience for travelers from the garage to the gate and ensure that our world-class city has two world-class airports.”
The city will issue a request for proposals for a single-entity concessions operator in September. The project will require that concessions areas, stores and restaurants be renovated, and shopping, dining, lounge facilities, spa services and medical services be added.
An 80,000-square-foot security hall will be built to curb bottlenecks and delays. The pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue will be renovated to make it 300 feet, rather than its current 60. Plus, 20,000 square feet of concessions space will be added.
The planned terminal parking garage expansion will add four levels and 1,400 parking spaces to the garage.
“Our proposal will make Midway Airport more efficient and more customer-friendly for years to come,” says Ginger Evans, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “In order for our airports and our city to thrive, we need to remain competitive, and that’s what this plan will achieve.”
The project is expected to create 1,700 jobs and is expected to double concessions revenue by 2019.
The plan is to issue the RFP in September and receive bids through mid-December. Bids are expected to be evaluated during the first quarter of 2016, with the proposal sent to the city council in the second quarter.
