Revamped Midway takes off with a taste of Chicago
Chicago leaders on Wednesday hailed the finalization of Midway International Airport's transformation from crowded and underwhelming to a facility with multiple shops, restaurants and a spacious security area.
The $400 million revamp “is the single biggest investment at Midway Airport since the terminal opened,” Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said.
The renovated Midway Central Market, where Concourses A and B meet, grew from 44,000 to 70,000 square feet, with new eateries and shops including luggage and cosmetics retailers.
“There are more options than ever to grab a bite to eat,” Rhee said.
New dining options that reflect Midway's Southwest Side location include Reilly's Daughter pub and White Sox Bar and Grill.
Meanwhile, concessions-related jobs have increased from 700 to 1,400, officials said.
The Midway Modernization Program began in 2015. One major component was widening the pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue that often was lined with passengers waiting at security checkpoint.
U.S. Transportation Security Administration officers can now process 5,000 passengers and employees an hour compared to 2,500 before the improvement, Rhee said.
The city also fixed the parking garage by modernizing elevators, adding LED lighting and other improvements.
COVID-19 delayed a redo of the concessions until passenger numbers rebounded.
“This has been a long time coming,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “It's beautiful, it's modern, it represents the global city we are.
“The completion of this project couldn't have come at a better time as we look forward to hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention,” he added.
One last project — a passenger lounge — is being built and should open up in fall 2024.