Key Takeaways
• Cleveland Hopkins will invest $1.1 billion to construct a new terminal where the current Smart Parking garage stands.
• The Gold Lot with 1,600 parking spaces will open in 2026 to support ongoing construction and replace lost parking.
• Full terminal completion is expected by 2032, pending final funding approval and phased demolition of existing parking structures.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is about to get a dramatic makeover. The airport, long viewed as out-of-date, will soon undergo a $1.1 billion upgrade that promises big changes for travelers. Central to this plan is the construction of a brand-new terminal, which will sit where the current Smart Parking garage is now. City leaders and airport officials say this is not just about new buildings — it’s about creating an airport that fits the needs of people in Cleveland and the many visitors who travel through Northeast Ohio.
What’s Happening at Cleveland Hopkins?
The transformation, called “CLEvolution,” will include several major steps:
– Building a large, modern terminal
– Tearing down the old Smart Parking garage
– Creating new and better parking, including a Smart Parking garage replacement and a new Gold Lot
– Adding green spaces, better transportation options, and more room for drop-offs and pick-ups
The $1.1 billion effort is not only about looks. Airport officials want to fix real problems, like long lines, crowded lobby areas, and too little parking near the airport. For years, travelers have pointed out that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport needs to catch up with other modern airports, both in the United States 🇺🇸 and worldwide.
Where Will the New Terminal Go?
The big change starts with the space itself. The new terminal will be built right where the Smart Parking garage stands today. But before that garage comes down, the airport needs to make sure travelers have somewhere else to park their cars. Here’s how the plan breaks down:
– A brand new, multi-level parking garage is set to be built on the current Orange Lot.
– This construction will be finished by 2029.
– Once the new garage is ready, the old Smart Parking garage will be demolished.
– With the old garage gone, crews can start building the new airport terminal in its place.
The airport team knows it can’t just tear down a parking garage before building something new. That’s why they’re working to build every replacement before starting demolition. If you’ve used the airport’s Smart Parking garage before, expect big changes in the next few years.
Parking: What Changes Are Coming?
Parking is a huge part of the project and may affect millions of travelers. One of the first things being built is the new Gold Lot, a parking lot with about 1,600 spaces. Airport officials say it will open in 2026. This helps cover the parking spaces lost during construction.
After the Gold Lot, a bigger parking garage will rise on the Orange Lot. This “vertical garage” will be more than just a place for cars:
– There will be an integrated ground transportation center.
– Travelers can easily connect to the RTA rapid transit stop.
– More covered parking will be available, making it easier for people parking long-term or in poor weather.
Once both the new Smart Parking garage and Gold Lot are ready, the airport can begin tearing down the old Smart Parking garage. All of these steps are planned so that at no time will there be a shortage of parking for travelers.
The New Terminal: What Can Passengers Expect?
Right now, all drawings of the new terminal are just ideas—they are not final. But some things are clear:
– The plans call for big glass walls and open spaces that feel bright and modern.
– Ticketing (where you get your boarding pass and check bags) will be more spacious.
– Security checkpoints, a major pain point at many airports, will get bigger and more efficient.
– The curbside areas—where people drop off or pick up passengers—will be expanded. Currently, these areas get crowded, especially during busy times. The airport wants to make it quicker and safer to get in and out.
– The new design fits Cleveland’s changing role as an “origin-and-destination” city. That means more people start or end their trips in Cleveland instead of just passing through to another city.
Mayor Justin Bibb has made clear that he believes in big goals. He said, “For us to have a world-class city, we need to have a world-class airport.” This sums up what the city hopes to achieve with this $1.1 billion investment.
When Will Everything Happen?
Big projects like this don’t happen all at once—they are split into steps, or “phases.” Here’s the planned schedule:
- 2026: The Gold Lot opens, adding over 1,600 new parking spaces.
- By 2029: The new multi-level Smart Parking garage and the connected ground transportation center open on the Orange Lot. This is a key piece, as it replaces the old parking garage and adds transit connections.
- Post–2029: Once these parking options are open, crews start the demolition of the current Smart Parking garage.
- By 2032: The new terminal is scheduled to open. That’s when travelers will see the biggest changes. However, officials remind everyone that these dates could change depending on how quickly they can secure all the needed funding and approvals.
Funding and What Happens Next
How is all this being paid for? So far, airlines that use the airport have already agreed to pay $476 million for the early phases. This includes the demolition of buildings like the old Sheraton Hotel, which frees up space for even more short-term parking.
Still, hundreds of millions more are needed before the new terminal can be built. The airport and city need to approve more funding before everything can move forward. Officials say that all the current pictures and plans are just “concepts”—that means the actual design, materials, and layout could change before construction starts on the main terminal.
If you want to track official updates or learn more about these changes directly from the source, you can visit the official Cleveland Hopkins International Airport page.
Why Does This Matter for the Region?
This airport redevelopment is more than just a construction project. It’s one of the biggest investments in infrastructure for Northeast Ohio in decades. By spending $1.1 billion on this terminal, Cleveland is telling the world it’s serious about boosting business, tourism, and the future of travel in the region.
For immigrants and international travelers, a newer airport means:
– Faster lines at security and check-in
– Easier access to ground transportation to and from the city
– More welcoming spaces when arriving in the United States 🇺🇸
– Quicker connections for local and international flights
Employers in the region count on good air service to help attract talented workers and business partners from around the world. A better airport can make Cleveland a more appealing location for new businesses, tech firms, and international students. For colleges and universities, a modern terminal could help bring more students from overseas, making travel to campus more straightforward and less stressful.
The Bigger Picture: How CLEvolution Could Shape Travel
The $1.1 billion upgrade at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport may help the airport compete with larger Midwest hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Detroit. With the airport shifting its focus to people who start or end their journey in Cleveland, rather than connecting flights, the new design supports this change.
According to VisaVerge.com, projects like “CLEvolution” may set a new standard for regional airports by:
– Providing room for more direct international flights
– Making customs and immigration processes smoother for travelers
– Adding technology that helps staff quickly process new arrivals
For families, business travelers, and immigrants alike, these changes mean shorter wait times, easier parking, and a less confusing trip from plane to curb.
What Makes the New Terminal Different?
While many airports in the United States 🇺🇸 have done surface renovations—such as adding new carpets, bright paint, or better lighting—Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is planning something much bigger. The CLEvolution project isn’t just about looks. It’s about the whole journey, from parking to security to reaching your gate.
Some features that are likely to stand out include:
– A new Smart Parking garage with easy access to the terminal, so travelers don’t have to carry bags far
– Covered walkways from parking to check-in, for comfort in all weather
– Larger entryways and more space for lines, so even on the busiest travel days, the process feels less crowded
– Dedicated spaces for Uber, Lyft, taxis, and public transport, with better signs and quicker pick-up times
For people flying into the region for the first time, a modern terminal creates a better first impression. This is important when Cleveland wants to attract more international business, new residents, or college students from abroad.
What Are the Possible Challenges?
While the plans sound very promising, there are a few important hurdles:
– The price tag is large, and full funding is not yet guaranteed
– The final design could still change, depending on input from various stakeholders
– Moving so many cars during the construction period will be tricky; travelers may need to try new parking lots or shuttles for a few years
There could also be some disruption, especially as parking lots and garages move around or close during demolition and construction. Airport officials say they will always give travelers fair warning about changes.
Community and Traveler Reactions
Many locals welcomed the CLEvolution announcement with hope, stating that the upgrade is long overdue. Some, however, worry about possible rising parking fees, confusion during construction, or changes in how cars and buses drop passengers off during the busiest periods.
But, as city leaders point out, the main goal is to serve the people of Northeast Ohio better—whether they are lifelong residents, recent arrivals, immigrants, college students, or tourists. The project, when finished, is expected to bring more jobs, support local businesses, and invite more people from around the world to Cleveland.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the region’s leaders see the project as a path to making the airport a leading hub for both domestic and international travel, one that reflects Cleveland’s diversity, growth, and welcoming spirit.
What’s Next for Travelers?
If you plan to use Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in the coming years, keep a close eye on announcements about parking, road closures, and any changes to airline check-ins or security. The airport’s official website will post updates, maps, and tips to help travelers adjust.
Travelers should also expect temporary inconvenience followed by long-term benefit. By the time 2032 arrives and the new terminal opens its doors, the travel experience through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport should feel very different—quicker, easier, and more comfortable for everyone.
Summary: A New Beginning for Cleveland’s Airport
The $1.1 billion redevelopment at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a huge opportunity for travelers, city residents, and the whole region. Raising the bar with a world-class terminal, better parking solutions such as the Smart Parking garage and Gold Lot, and improved transit options could boost the city’s reputation as a modern, welcoming place for both business and leisure.
The journey will take several years and will require patience. However, city officials and airport leaders are setting their sights on a brand-new beginning—one that puts the needs of passengers first, fosters growth, and writes a new chapter for Cleveland’s story as a gateway to the world.
Learn Today
Smart Parking garage → A multi-level parking structure at the airport, soon to be replaced to allow terminal construction, offering convenient access for travelers.
Gold Lot → A large surface parking lot with about 1,600 spaces, scheduled to open in 2026 as part of airport upgrades.
Ground transportation center → An area connecting parking, public transport, and services like Uber or Lyft for easy traveler movement to and from the airport.
Origin-and-destination city → A city where most travelers start or end their journey, rather than only making connections to other flights.
CLEvolution → Nickname for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport’s extensive, multi-year modernization project aiming for world-class facilities and improved traveler experience.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport launches a $1.1 billion transformation, including a new terminal on the Smart Parking garage site. Upgrades focus on improved parking, efficient security, and seamless ground transport. Travelers can expect a modern experience by 2032 if funding and approvals remain on track. Major regional growth anticipated.
— By VisaVerge.com
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