Centennial Airport held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 12 for the new aviation community and administrative facility. The building, dubbed "the hangar," is the new home of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority and will be a place for the aviation community to gather as soon as COVID-19 public health restrictions permit.
Designed to evoke the spirit of aviation, the 15,805 square-foot building is a testament to the airport’s commitment to building relationships with tenants, users, and the community.
“While there are plenty of hangars at Centennial Airport, we wanted our new home to be THE hangar,” explained Airport Chief Executive Officer Robert Olislagers. “It’s meant to be a gathering place for the aviation community, from the aviation community — a place to have a cup of coffee and do a little ‘hangar flying.’”
Denver-based Haselden Construction served as general contractor for the $8 million project; and Mead & Hunt was responsible for architecture and engineering.
“Our new building has the latest workplace amenities for staff and a welcoming environment for the local aviation community,” said Gina Conley, senior planner for Centennial Airport. “While the vision for the hangar was formed long before I arrived, helping make that vision a reality with our partners has been a fantastic experience.”
Features and amenities:
- Three conference rooms with a seating capacity from 18 to 50 persons
- Updated airport operations center
- Emergency operations center
- Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building
- Solar-ready carport and building roof
- Water-conscious xeriscape
- Employee wellness center
“Unfortunately, the pandemic has thrown us for loop,” said Olislagers of the inability to fully open the building to the public. “But much like an aerial loop, we will come full circle and back to where we started — and that’s what this building is all about, and we look forward to the time when we can gather in person and share this milestone with our community.”
At no cost to local taxpayers, the hangar is financed in majority by a loan from the Colorado State Infrastructure Bank and the remainder by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority.
