We've discussed plans to develop the areas around the Gerald R. Ford airport previously here on the Pyxis Realty blog. That story, for those who hadn't had a chance to read it, discussed the multi-acre, massive, aeronautically-themed development planned nearby, to be called “Area 52.” Today's West Michigan real estate development news involves not nearby construction and development but rather plans to expand and improve a section of the airport itself!
According to a report by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Landmark Aviation has broken ground on a massive expansion of their local operations. Specifically, they are constructing a brand-new hanger for airplane services that Landmark Aviation offers on a 16.8 acre lot within the airport itself. The planned new building will be 23,750 square feet, with plenty of room for planes ranging from personal vehicles to the largest commercial jetliners. The company stated in a press release that this new construction was part of the company's internal commitment to constantly re-investing in its own infrastructure and network.
The building will be broken down into two primary spaces and uses. 5,000 square feet of the new construction will be dedicated to office space for employees of Landmark Aviation, with the remaining 18,750 square feet being dedicated to the hanger itself. Although Landmark Aviation did not disclose the estimated expense of constructing this new office and hanger space, it did advise interested parties that the construction would be completed used “eco-friendly” materials, which fits well with Grand Rapids' ongoing attempt to be an environmentally-conscious metropolis.
Landmark Aviation is clearly aware of the potential of the West Michigan market and what makes locals tick, even if they are not a locally-based or locally-owned company. They are actually based out of Houston, Texas. However, Landmark Aviation has had a presence in the greater Grand Rapids area since 2013 at the Gerald R. Ford airport. This new expansion will allow them to service commercial plans as large as 747s at the largest West Michigan airport, mirroring what they offer in other areas of the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe.
Landmark Aviation offers such services as de-icing planes getting ready for take off, routine maintenance, and concierge services and catering to both private plane owners and commercial airline companies. Their company is currently in talks with the massive British airplane services company BBA Aviation about a potential merger. Landmark Aviation is priced at a cool $2.065 billion for the purpose of this potential purchase, which would make BBA Aviation the largest fixed-location airplane services company in the world.
For now, while the sale is in discussions, Landmark Aviation remains independent and clearly feels that Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area are a prime location for development and growth. As the airport grows, it will likely impact real estate and rental prices in south-eastern Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia, Cascade, and other nearby municipalities. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in any of these areas, give Pyxis Realty a call today to ensure you're getting up-to-date information and the best possible assistance through the real estate transaction.