by Janice Limbaugh

Visitors to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport are in for a fresh experience. Concourse B is officially renovated and expanded with two new airline gates, passenger hold room, restrooms and the much anticipated MI Tap Room Restaurant & Bar. Also included in the renovations is the Grand Rapids Magazine travel store.

“Our primary goal is to ensure travelers have a positive experience when transitioning through our airport,” says Brian Ryks, GFIA executive director. “The airport is the first and last impression when visiting our region and it is important travelers get a sense of what West Michigan has to offer as soon as they step off the aircraft.”

At each gate walls feature West Michigan-themed murals of tulips, downtown buildings, shorelines and the Calder Plaza. The MI Tap Room features several local Michigan craft beers on tap along with a menu that’s locally themed.

Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony for Concourse B completes the two year expansion project of both concourse A and B. Concourse A renovations included new seating, carpeting, food and beverage updates and an expansion of passenger hold rooms. Business travelers also appreciate the expanded work space and charging stations in the area.  A new Grand Rapids Magazine travel store was added there too.

Airport officials estimate the cost of the project to be $12.3 million.