Demolition about to begin!
WHEELING/PROSPECT HEIGHTS, ILL. – After serving aviators at Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee Municipal Airport) in Wheeling/Prospect Heights, Illinois, for over 60 years, four 1940s-era hangar buildings were demolished, with fanfare, in November 2010.
The Quonset-style T-hangars, built in 1946, were designed to house the small private aircraft that dominated the airfield during its early years, long before the facility became the economic powerhouse 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 taxi-ways were improved.”
Rouleau, who over the last decade has overseen many substantial improvements and the expansive growth of the airport, 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.”
