MIDWAY — The city will soon expand concessions at Midway International Airport, according to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The mayor on Wednesday announced an ordinance that will allow the city to enter a 15-year agreement with Midway Partnership LLC in a joint venture to lease, develop, manage and operate concessions at the South Side airport.
The $75 million project will renovate and expand Midway’s concessions program, targeting food and beverage, news and gift, specialty retail, duty-free, personal services, concessions support facilities and other amenities.
“This agreement is an investment in Chicago: creating jobs, highlighting local businesses and improving the airport's overall passenger experience,” Emanuel said in a statement. “It also marks an important step forward in our overall plan to modernize Midway and increase the airports competitive viability for the future.”
The new program could increase annual sales tax revenue for the city by $10 million once the project is complete, according to the mayor’s office.
The number of concessions jobs will double from 700 to 1,400, creating an additional 250 jobs for construction. The expansion will add 26,000 square feet of concessions space to the airport for a total of nearly 70,000 square feet.
Existing concession stops, stores and restaurants will be renovated. Shopping dining, amenities and services will be added.
The mayor’s office did not offer details on specific offerings the expansion will bring to Midway or when the project will begin.
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