A new lounge and vibrant art galleries are among the latest efforts in revamping Midway International Airport.
Last month, the city opened The Club MDW, the airport's first passenger lounge.
A new feature at Midway International Airport is The Club MDW. Courtesy of Matthew McNulty
Occupants can sit in a space featuring neutral colors with complimentary refreshments and fully-equipped workstations.
“It is a key part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience here in Chicago for leisure and business travelers,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the event.
“The lounge employs 50 full-time employees and is available to all travelers, regardless of airline or class of service, by purchasing a day ticket for $50 or membership in the various lounge networks,” Kevin Bargens, communications director for the Chicago Department of Aviation, told the Daily. . Herald.
The cost of building the hall is $5 million. This comes after the significant completion of the city's $400 million midstream modernization program, officials said.
MDW Club, which recently opened at Midway International Airport, offers travelers a respite from the crowded lounge. Courtesy of Matthew McNulty
“It's one of many upgrades travelers can expect as we continue to transform Chicago's original hometown airport,” CDA Commissioner Jimmy Rhee said at the opening.
Domestic and international passenger traffic at Medway reached about 14.6 million passengers as of August 2024. This number was 5.9 million in 2020 during the pandemic, but rose again to 14.8 million in 2023.
MDX Club, which recently opened at Midway International Airport, offers travelers a respite from the crowded terminal. Courtesy of Matthew McNulty
In mid-October, new public art installations were unveiled in Midway displaying multiple objects from Chicago's public art collection that reflect the city's diversity, officials said.
“A lot of people are walking through the airport, visitors, families and friends, and this is a perfect place to showcase the best of the city,” Clenny Hedspeth, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, said earlier this month at Midway.
New art galleries at Midway Airport feature photographs by Jonathan Michael Castillo of small businesses in Chicago's South and West Side neighborhoods, like this photo of old-fashioned donuts in Roseland. Courtesy of CDA
Highlights include:
• Portraits of black and Latino small businesses by Jonathan Michael Castillo. The photos were taken mainly in Chicago's South Side and West Side neighborhoods, including some near Midway.
• Sculptures and paintings from the Chicago Public Library collection, including a model of “The Bean” in Millennium Park.
• Paintings by Famous Illinois Writers by Steve Musgrave.
New art galleries at Midway International Airport feature a series of paintings by Illinois writers by Steve Musgrave. Courtesy of CDA
Focus on small businesses
In addition to passenger benefits, CDA offers assistance to sellers who want to serve Midway but are new to the process.
The city operates two Small Business Resource Centers in O'Hare and Midway that provide one-on-one technical advice.
Prospective vendors can also participate in networking events and workshops on contract requirements. Construction companies can sign up for airport tours.
CDA recently expanded the hours of operation of its Resource Center.
• The Midway Small Business Resource Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 5642 S. Central Ave. For information, call (773) 838-0829.
• O'Hare's Bidding Room and Small Business Resource Center are open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays at 10510 W. Zemke Road. To learn more, call (773) 894-3730.
