Updated 1st july 2025 – J.H. Findorff & Son has been awarded the contract to build a new international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, marking a major step in a long-awaited redevelopment plan.
When will the terminal construction works begin?
The $95.2 million terminal reconstruction project will see the replacement of the aging Concourse E, which was originally built in the 1960s and closed in 2016. Delayed by the pandemic, the project is now back on track and set to break ground as early as August 2025, with construction expected to last two years.
Findorff will serve as general contractor, overseeing site work, excavation, selective demolition, and fueling system upgrades. The terminal will be directly connected to the main terminal building, creating expanded capacity for both international and domestic travel. The work is being organized into four bid packages.
Gilbane Building Company will act as construction manager, with design services provided by architecture firm Alliiance. Demolition of the existing concourse will be handled by HM Brandt of Lannon.
Originally estimated at $55 million in 2019, rising construction and design costs have pushed the budget to $95.2 million. Funding will come from a mix of federal and state grants as well as airport revenues. Officials also plan to apply for final-year federal terminal grant funding.
Other projects ongoing at the Milwaukee Airport
Meanwhile, other developments are underway at the airport, including a $75 million cargo facility led by ARCO/Murray and a $17.2 million pedestrian bridge expansion managed by Zenith Tech Inc., both expected to finish by 2026.
The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience, improve operational capacity, and position Milwaukee as a more competitive hub for international air travel.
May 6th 2025 – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is set to begin construction this summer on a long-awaited upgrade: the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal project. The new facility will replace the outdated and disconnected International Arrivals Building with a larger, integrated terminal designed to accommodate both international and domestic passengers.
Following a recent approval by the Milwaukee County Board’s Committee on Finance, up to $95.2 million has been allocated for the project, which will begin with the demolition of Concourse E—closed since 2016.
Price Tag Grows as Project Gets Back on Track
Initially budgeted at $55 million in 2019, the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal has seen its estimated cost rise by nearly $40 million. The design budget expanded from $4.5 million to $7.1 million, and construction costs jumped to $88 million, driven by pandemic-related delays, inflation, and rising material costs.
Airport Director Brian Dranzik said the project was rebid earlier this year, giving officials a clearer financial picture: “We now have a good number to work from, and that’s why we’re seeking the expenditure authority.”
Regional Gateway Gets a Needed Upgrade
The modern terminal will transform passenger flow at the airport, allowing international travelers to connect directly into the main terminal rather than using the existing separate building. Once completed, the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal will include 2 to 5 new gates and offer improved customs processing and traveler amenities.
The airport plans to finance the development through a combination of state and federal grants and its own revenues.
A Boost for Jobs and the Local Economy
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley supports the project, highlighting its economic impact and importance to the region’s connectivity. Local business and labor groups, including the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce, have also praised the initiative.
Construction is expected to start in July or August 2025 and take approximately two years to complete.
Project Fact Sheet
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Project: Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal
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Total Cost: $95.2 million
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Start Date: July–August 2025
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Completion Target: 2027
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Features: 2–5 gates, integrated design
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Funding: Airport funds, state/federal grants
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Replaces: Old Concourse E and International Arrivals Building
Project Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Concourse E closed |
| 2018 | Funding for international terminal approved |
| 2019 | Project budgeted at $55 million |
| 2020 | Delayed due to COVID-19 |
| 2023–2024 | Cost revision and rebidding |
| April 2025 | $95.2M approved by Finance Committee |
| July–Aug 2025 | Construction of Milwaukee Mitchell Airport modern terminal begins |
| 2027 | Target completion |
