Wed, Dec 01, 2004
Construction Almost Done On 58 New Hangars
Airplanes aren't the only things taking off at the Poplar Grove
Airport in Illinois. The airport's expansion is in high gear.
Construction is nearing competition on 58 new hangars located on
the north side of the airport, as well as the construction of
nearly 50 custom condominiums within Bel Air Estates, a residential
Fly-In Community, and the continued development of the Poplar Grove
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum.
"Our airport has grown quite a bit," said airport owner, Steve
Thomas. "Ten years ago there were 45 airplanes based here, and now
there are over 360 airplanes that call Poplar Grove home." The new
hangars total 102,000 square feet of space and will be able to
house 100 aircraft. With the completion of these hangars and the
continued development of Bel Air Estates Fly-In community, the
population of airplanes based at Poplar Grove is expected to exceed
450 within a year. Even with this growth, much with antique and
sport aviation aircraft, Poplar Grove has maintained a friendly,
fun aviation lifestyle atmosphere.
The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum continues to
develop as well. Today it is comprised of three restored vintage
hangars, the centerpiece of which is a stone hangar, moved from
Waukesha Wisconsin, a restored 1924 Sun Oil Company gas station
complete with vintage fuel pumps, and "Slim's Garage," the museum's
latest addition which is currently under restoration. These
buildings from the past house restored vintage aircraft and
automobiles, artifacts, a bronze airmail pilot, library, and much
more. The museum replicates an early airfield using actual
buildings originally constructed in the 1930's. Many of the 58 new
hangars under construction are designed architecturally to have a
vintage look to compliment the nearby museum.
The addition of condominiums will contribute to the growth of
the airport. Of the planned 45 condominiums, 25 have been sold,
many to fliers. These condos will not have airport access like
other homes in Bel Air Estates, but Thomas believes the ability to
have a hangar near their home will draw in potential condo owners.
"What fliers like about condos is they can have a condo at the
airport and a hangar of their own where they can keep their plane,"
Thomas explained. "They have the benefits of condo life (no chores)
and a hangar. When combined, it provides the aviation lifestyle
they are looking for."
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