Airports are expensive and massive undertakings, requiring lots of money, land and community support. But after years of use, some airports are closed often because they are no longer able to adequately serve the needs of their city. What happens to these closed airports? Some are left abandoned. But many cities are turning to them for the advantage of their location and abundant space. Here are a few examples:
Denver Stapleton International Airport. Stapleton had the advantage of being only 3 miles from Denver, while the citiy’s fancy new airport is 25 miles away. When Stapleton closed, Forest City Enterprises saw an opportunity. It removed the runways and built a residential community here, with more than 3,500 single family homes! And with the homes, parks, cafes, shops — in short, a live-able neighborhood. Nearby former Lowry Air Force Base also was converted into a residential community after it was shuttered, including conversion of an old aircraft hanger into an ice skating rink.
Brooks City Air Force Base, San Antonio. After it was closed, having functioned as an airport for most a century, Brooks was converted into a mixed-use community for families and businesses. Now it’s know as Brooks City Base, a 1,200-acre campus where businesses, employees and residents can live and work. The development includes a hospital and university campus.
Berlin Templehof Airport. When this city center airport closed, it became a popular public park and open space (see above photo). Developers wanted to convert it into affordable housing, but local citizens united for it to remain a park. Citizens like to walk and jog along the former runways, or play in the grass between them.
More details and examples of airport rebirths in this story at USA Today Travel at this link.
