The Northwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority is preparing to approve more than $95 million in construction and oversight contracts for a major terminal expansion at Cherry Capital Airport. The board is scheduled to review the contracts on March 17, 2026, ahead of a planned groundbreaking on April 24.
The “Gates to the Future” project will expand the airport terminal by more than 100,000 square feet. The expansion will add new passenger holding areas, connector space, and four additional airline gates, with a fifth gate planned for completion by 2028 or 2029.
The project carries an estimated total cost of approximately $120 million. Financing includes a $71 million bond backed by Grand Traverse County, along with federal and state grant funding. The airport authority has selected The Christman Company as construction manager while Mead & Hunt will provide construction administration services. The project also includes a $16.4 million contract with M&M Excavating for site preparation, utility installation, stormwater management, and apron paving.
The project is expected to involve approximately 20 subcontractors and generate around 150 construction jobs over a two-year build period.
Separately, the airport authority is advancing an $8.4 million project to replace HVAC systems in the existing terminal. This work will include installation of new air handling units, boilers, and chillers. Federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will cover approximately $5.3 million of the cost, with the remainder funded through airport revenues. Construction is expected to begin later in 2026 and conclude in early 2027.
The terminal expansion will increase capacity, improve passenger flow, and support future air service growth in northern Michigan.