New Passenger Terminal – Chippewa County International Airport

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Conveniently located on the east side of Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) is ideally situated to become the Midwest’s “Gateway to the North.” In 1987 the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation agreed to manage the airport and associated industrial park. 

For this project, the corporation was looking for a leading-edge image to help attract business to the adjacent industrial park.  The region was facing an economic expansion requiring increased airline travel.  Passengers are now welcomed by a new, spacious 20,400-square-foot terminal via an attractive, yet weather protective pedestrian entrance canopy.  The spacious, naturally lit interior features natural wood trusses, ceiling, and other finish materials.  Both the interior and exterior architectural design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural environment.

CIU was once commissioned as an air force base.  Many of the military facilities were converted for use at the airport.  The terminal was a major part of the conversions.  It qualified for special military funding, which Mead & Hunt helped facilitate. 

Specific design elements include:

• New terminal site
• New parking area and roadway network
• New aircraft parking apron