WHEELING/PROSPECT HEIGHTS, ILL. – After serving aviators at Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee Municipal) for over 60 years, four 1940s era hangar buildings were demolished, with fanfare, in November.
The quonset-syle “T” hangars, built in 1946, were designed to house the small general aviation aircraft that dominated the airfield during its early years, long before the facility became the economic power house it is today.
“As strange as it may seem to us today, says airport manager Dennis Rouleau, these hangars were once state-of-the-art. Over time, they became a challenge as their general condition deteriorated and their location became increasingly problematic as our runways and taxiways were improved.”
Rouleau, who over the last decade, has overseen many substantial improvements and the expansive growth of the facility, continued by saying, “The removal and replacement of these derelict buildings is yet another positive step we are taking to further enhance safe operations here at Chicago Executive.”
As a result of the efforts of Chairman, E. Allan Engelhardt, in cooperation with the trustees from both the Village of Wheeling, the City of Prospect Heights and through the efforts of airport manager Dennis Rouleau, new “T” Hangars are nearing completion on the northeast quadrant of the airport.
“Ownership of this or any airport by two municipalities is highly unusual,” according to airport spokesman Michael Stanard. “The level of cooperation at Chicago Executive is extraordinary. It’s what has allowed the facility to grow and become the third busiest airport in Illinois. Chicago Executive is one of the most important business airports in the nation.”
Demolition ceremonies were attended by Dolly Vole, Mayor of the Village of Wheeling, Prospect Heights President Judy Abruscato, CEA Chairman E. Allan Englehardt, CEA Manager Dennis Rouleau, Wheeling Trustee Ken Brady, CEA Vice Chairman David Kolssak, CEA Intern Sable Omes-Sombke, Al Palicki of Signature Flight Support, a representative from CMT Engineering, the Wheeling Village treasurer, members of the airport ground crew, and the Curran Contracting demolition crew.