The City of Chicago announced that it will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a single-entity concessions operator for Midway International Airport in September. The RFP is part of $248 million expansion of the concession facilities, the terminal parking garage, and security checkpoints – which is the largest investment plan for Midway in nearly a decade.
Under the project, the concessions area will increase by 50%, stores and restaurants will be renovated, and shopping, dining, lounge facilities, spa services, and medical services will be added.
The new concession areas will also feature the best of Chicago through iconic brands and concepts while providing opportunities for local businesses and residents.
An expansion of Midway’s security checkpoint area will address the bottleneck that frequently occurs in the current security area, and includes a new 80,000 sqf security hall. The existing pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue will be increased from 60 feet to 300 feet, and 20,000 square feet of new concessions space will be added in an optimal location.
The tentative schedule for the program is to issue the RFP in early September, receive bids through mid-December 2015, conduct evaluation of those bids in first quarter 2016 and advance the proposal in the City Council in second quarter 2016.
Southwest Airlines is the largest flight carrier at Midway, and Midway is the largest market in the airline’s network.
