After serving aviators at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) (Formerly Palwaukee Municipal) for more than 60 years, four 1940’s era hangar buildings were demolished, with fanfare, last week.
The quonset-syle T-hangars, built in 1946, were designed to house the small private aircraft that dominated the airfield during its early years. “As strange as it may seem to us today,” says airport manager Dennis Rouleau, “these hangars were once state-of-the-art. Over time, they became a challenge as their general condition deteriorated and their location became increasingly problematic as our runways and taxiways were improved.”
As a result of the efforts of Chairman E. Allan Engelhardt, in cooperation with the trustees from both the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights, new T-hangars are nearing completion on the northeast quadrant of the airport.
“Ownership of this or any airport by two municipalities is highly unusual,” according to airport spokesman Michael Stanard. “The level of cooperation at Chicago Executive is extraordinary. It’s what has allowed the facility to grow and become the third busiest airport in Illinois.”
For more information: Palwaukee.org
