The CLEvolution Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) project is a $1.6 billion multi-phase overhaul of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, designed to replace an ageing terminal with a new 895,000 square foot facility and deliver landside improvements by 2032. Construction officially commenced in late October 2025 with the Gold Lot parking development underway, led by Shook Construction in a design-build partnership with Passero Associates and HEAPY, targeting delivery of approximately 1,600 spaces by late 2026 or early 2027. Jacobs was simultaneously appointed as program and construction management lead for Phase 1, with the firm bringing prior experience across 25 of the busiest U.S. airports to the role.
A Fully Funded Pipeline with Labour Commitments in Place
The project’s financial and delivery frameworks have solidified considerably since legislation was approved. Signatory airline partners had by May 2025 committed a combined $476 million toward the programme, comprising $175 million approved in 2024 for design and initial project steps and a further $301 million approved on 1 May 2025 to fund expanded parking capacity. All construction work at the airport will proceed under a Project Labor Agreement with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, with the full programme expected to generate between 1,500 and 1,800 jobs for affiliated trades members. Design-build team CLE Connection Group, a joint venture comprising Gilbane Building, Donley’s Next Generation Construction, Independence Excavating, Vocon, Pickard Chilton, Osborn Engineering, Desman Parking Consultants, and GFT, has been contracted to deliver the future parking and transit structure. The phased delivery approach mirrors what other major U.S. airports are pursuing concurrently: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport recently opened the first nine gates of its $3 billion Terminal C reconstruction as part of a $9 billion capital programme, underscoring the shared national imperative to rebuild legacy aviation infrastructure around live operations.
Project Overview
- Project Name: CLEvolution Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP)
- Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Developer / Owner: City of Cleveland, Department of Port Control
- Total Cost / Value: $1.6 billion (Phase 1); part of a broader estimated $3 billion programme
- Scale / Capacity: New 895,000 sq ft terminal; 6,000-space parking garage; Ground Transportation Center; relocated GCRTA Red Line station; 1,600-space Gold Lot (Phase 1)
- Construction Start: Late October 2025 (Gold Lot, Phase 1)
- Expected Completion: Gold Lot by late 2026 or early 2027; parking garage and transit centre by 2029; new terminal by 2032
- Funding / Financing: $476 million from signatory airline partners ($175M in 2024 + $301M approved May 2025); City of Cleveland; additional funding approvals pending for future phases
- Current Status: Gold Lot construction active as of late 2025; Jacobs appointed programme manager; CLE Connection Group contracted for parking and transit structure design-build
- Key Milestone: Three construction partners announced October 2025; construction began late October 2025; Project Labor Agreement signed with Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council
Project Team
- City of Cleveland, Department of Port Control — Airport Owner and Programme Lead
- Paslay Group — Lead Programme Consultant
- Jacobs — Programme and Construction Management Lead, Phase 1
- Shook Construction — Construction Manager, Gold Lot Parking Development
- Passero Associates — Design Partner (Gold Lot, with Shook)
- HEAPY — Engineering Design Partner (Gold Lot, with Shook)
- CLE Connection Group — Design-Build Contractor, Parking and Transit Structure
- Gilbane Building Company — CLE Connection Group JV Member
- Donley’s Next Generation Construction — CLE Connection Group JV Member
- Independence Excavating — CLE Connection Group JV Member
- Vocon — Interior Design, CLE Connection Group JV
- Pickard Chilton — Architect, CLE Connection Group JV
- Osborn Engineering — Engineering, CLE Connection Group JV
- Desman Parking Consultants — Parking Consultant, CLE Connection Group JV
- GFT — Construction, CLE Connection Group JV
- Corgan — Lead Design Firm (Terminal Architecture)
- Connico — Design Team Member
- DVA Architecture, LLC — Design Team Member
- Robert P. Madison International, Inc. — Design Team Member
- McGuiness Unlimited, Inc. — Design Team Member
- Regency Construction Services, Inc. — Design Team Member
- Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council — Project Labor Agreement Partner
- Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) — Transit Infrastructure Partner (Red Line Station Relocation)
- Signatory Airline Partners — Funding Partners ($476 million committed)
Reported 29th May 2025: Cleveland City Council took a major step forward this week by approving new legislation that will launch construction of a brand-new $1.6 billion terminal at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Slated to open by 2032, this transformative project is designed to meet future travel demands while celebrating Cleveland’s heritage. New renderings reveal a terminal inspired by nearby Lake Erie and the city’s industrial past. With bright, spacious interiors, this modern facility will dramatically improve the experience compared to today’s aging and cramped terminal. It joins the major US airports undertaking massive terminal upgrades to meet demand for air travel.
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New Infrastructure to Support Expansion
Before terminal construction begins, the airport plans to build a multi-level parking garage at the current Orange Lot site, offering space for more than 6,000 vehicles. Additionally, a brand-new Ground Transportation Center and a rapid transit station will be constructed at an estimated cost of $300 million. These projects are expected to be operational by 2029, significantly enhancing public access to the airport. Alongside these upgrades, a new parking lot, known as the Gold Lot, will be developed adjacent to Concourse D, adding 1,600 more parking spaces and set to open in 2026.
Shifting the Terminal for a Smoother Experience
One of the most notable changes in this project is the decision to relocate the terminal rather than build on the existing footprint. Unlike previous proposals, the new plan focuses heavily on improving pre-security or “landside” areas, such as check-in counters, lounges, and security checkpoints, before tackling upgrades to passenger gates and concourses. According to airport officials, this approach will not only reduce disruptions for current travelers but also provide a more intuitive and comfortable experience from the moment passengers enter the facility.
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A Long-Term Vision for Growth
Mayor Justin Bibb and Director of Port Control Bryant Francis officially unveiled the airport project, emphasizing the importance of world-class infrastructure to support economic development. “Improving our airport is key to supporting Cleveland’s growth,” Bibb said. Francis also stressed that the primary operational challenges lie in the front-of-house experience, making the redesign essential for improving guest satisfaction. Fortunately, by building just a few hundred feet from the current terminal, airport operations can continue with minimal inconvenience. In the long run, this ambitious overhaul ensures that Cleveland stays competitive in both travel and business.
Cleveland Hopkins Airport terminal Overview
Project Name: CLEvolution – Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP)
Total Estimated Investment: $1.6 billion
Project Duration: 2025–2032
Location: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Cleveland, Ohio
Project Team and Stakeholders
Lead Consultant: Paslay Group
Design and Architecture:
Corgan (Lead Design Firm)
Connico
DVA Architecture, LLC
Robert P. Madison International, Inc.
McGuiness Unlimited, Inc.
Regency Construction Services, Inc.
Funding Partners:
Signatory airline partners
City of Cleveland
Additional funding approvals pending for future phases
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