Cleveland airport work begins : $1.6 billion megaproject under a PLA
Work began last month on the first phase of the $1.6 billion Cleveland Hopkins International Airport renovation project called CLEvolution. All work being performed at Hopkins will take place under a Project Labor Agreement with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council.
The entire project is expected to create about 1,500 to 1,800 jobs for affiliated Cleveland Building Trades members, according to Dave Wondolowski, CBCTC Secretary/Business Manager.
“The launch of CLEvolution marks a transformative moment for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and for our entire city,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb in a prepared statement. “This next phase of the modernization plan and the upcoming improvements will not only support our region’s growth but also reaffirm Cleveland’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. We are excited to deliver our visitors and residents a first-class experience.”
In addition to construction work starting, the airport also announced it selected a design- build team. Jacobs will be providing program and construction management. They will oversee elements such as project controls, scheduling and worksite safety.
In a prepared statement, Jacobs Executive Vice President Katus Watson called CLEvolution a powerful statement of the airport’s ambition to transform and revolutionize the travel experience for residents and visitors. “With smarter design, expanded amenities and a seamless flow, we’re helping deliver an airport experience that matches the pride and hospitality of the city itself and transforms the passenger journey from curb to gate,” he said.
Shook Construction is leading the build of the new Gold Lot, which is phase one of the multi-year Terminal Modernization Development Program. Crews will build a new 1,600-space parking lot that is set to open by late 2026 or early 2027.
In a prepared statement, Matt Danis, Shook Vice President and Great Lakes Regional Manager, explained why the project is special to them.
“Cleveland Hopkins just celebrated its centennial anniversary, and Shook will turn 100 next year,” he said. “With nearly a century of experience behind us, Shook is proud to build on our legacy as we bring our expertise to the project. As the construction manager in the redevelopment plan’s first step, we’re also ready to set the standard of utilizing Cleveland-based resources and offering meaningful opportunities to a local pool of workers.”
The rest of the design-build team includes Gilbane Building, Donley’s, Next Generation Construction, Independence Excavating, Vocon, Pickard Chilton, Osborn Engineering, DESMAN and GFT.
Kyle Merrill, Principal-in-Charge, CLE Connection Group (CCG) issued a statement calling the design-build team a strong, local, diverse team that will deliver a modern, efficient and connected experience for travelers and the community.
“This project will be a great example of collaboration in action, and we’re excited to support the City’s long-term vision every step of the way,” he said.
Future phases of the project include the construction of a new 6,000-space parking garage, a new ground transportation center and a new, relocated RTA Station that is slated to open in 2029.