Terminal at a Glance
Fast Facts
Construction start date: July 2008
Cost: $55 million
Jobs created: Approximately 250 full-time positions
Architect: Reynolds, Smith and Hills Inc. (RS&H)
General contractors: 12, the majority of which are located in the Great Lakes Bay Region
Opening date: October 31, 2012
Location: Approximately ¼ mile north of the old terminal on Garfield Road near Freeland, Michigan
Size: 75,000 square feet
Passenger boarding bridges: Four
Gates: Six
Façade materials: Glass and steel
Parking: 900 long-term spaces, 200 short-term spaces, and 140 employee spaces
Sustainability benefits: Energy-efficient construction incorporates elements such as extensive use of natural light that minimizes the need for electric lighting during the daylight hours, low-flow faucets, efficient fixtures and low-e glass that minimizes heat gain
Fun Facts
Rooted to Our Heritage
Inspired by the Great Lakes Bay Region’s forest and lumbering heritage, pillars throughout the terminal resemble towering trees. Natural wood-tone finishes complement the nature-inspired look-and-feel.
Connect the Dots (and Dashes)
The dots and dashes etched on the glass of the passenger exit lane and elsewhere in the building are Morse code for MBS.
Secure to Go
Added security and convenience features in your new terminal include:
- A tripled passenger security screening area to reduce delays
- Screening for checked bags now located in a secure area behind the ticketing counters
- Automated monitoring of the exit lane for added safety
Design Takes Flight
Demonstrating that MBS International Airport is the region’s gateway to the world, a custom tile mural provides an aerial map of MBS International Airport and the adjacent communities, with flight distances to major outbound destinations.
A River Runs Through It
Curved, copper-clad mechanicals stretch the length of the terminal and resemble a meandering river – a nod to mid-Michigan’s waterways and the state’s copper mining industry.
Not Your Average Driveway
To accommodate heavier aircraft and meet strict FAA guidelines, the apron area for incoming and outgoing flights includes 14 inches of concrete, specially mixed on site.
A Room with a View
The open design of the waiting area and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling glass windows provides great views of all incoming and outgoing flights.
A Breath of Fresh Air
An exterior courtyard, accessible only from the interior of the terminal, will allow visitors to enjoy a snack or drink in the outdoors and helps connect the “land side” of the terminal with the “air side.”