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."

FMI: www.poplargroveairmotive.com