Centralia Municipal Airport | Centralia, Washington
The Centralia Municipal Airport (CPS) in Centralia, Washington, which served general aviation, closed in the early 1990s. Like many smaller airports, the closure was the result of a combination of factors. Centralia Municipal Airport, which primarily served small aircraft and general aviation, saw a decline in demand over time. It was a relatively small airport, and with the growing use of larger nearby airports (such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)), there was reduced need for smaller regional airports like CPS.
The airport was located in a relatively constrained area, with limited space for expansion. Over time, the runway and facilities became outdated, and the cost of upgrading the airport to meet modern aviation standards became prohibitive. Maintaining and improving an airport with limited use and space became less feasible for the city. Centralia is located between Seattle and Portland, so there were already several nearby airports that could more effectively serve the region’s aviation needs. The close proximity to Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) and Portland International Airport (PDX) made Centralia Municipal Airport less critical for both general aviation and commercial air traffic. As Centralia and the surrounding area grew, the land where the airport was located became more valuable for residential and commercial development. Cities often face pressure to convert land occupied by airports into areas that can accommodate the growing needs of the population, such as housing, retail, and other infrastructure.
What Was Built in Its Place?After the closure of Centralia Municipal Airport, the land was redeveloped for a mix of residential and commercial use. A significant portion of the former airport site was converted into residential areas, contributing to the expansion of Centralia’s suburban housing. The growing demand for homes in the area led to the construction of new neighborhoods and houses on the airport land. Some parts of the airport property were repurposed for commercial and retail use, which likely included small businesses, strip malls, and service-oriented businesses to support the local economy. As part of the development of the area, some parts of the land may have been used for public infrastructure improvements, including roads and parks, to integrate the new development into the existing urban fabric.
The airport was located in a relatively constrained area, with limited space for expansion. Over time, the runway and facilities became outdated, and the cost of upgrading the airport to meet modern aviation standards became prohibitive. Maintaining and improving an airport with limited use and space became less feasible for the city. Centralia is located between Seattle and Portland, so there were already several nearby airports that could more effectively serve the region’s aviation needs. The close proximity to Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) and Portland International Airport (PDX) made Centralia Municipal Airport less critical for both general aviation and commercial air traffic. As Centralia and the surrounding area grew, the land where the airport was located became more valuable for residential and commercial development. Cities often face pressure to convert land occupied by airports into areas that can accommodate the growing needs of the population, such as housing, retail, and other infrastructure.
What Was Built in Its Place?After the closure of Centralia Municipal Airport, the land was redeveloped for a mix of residential and commercial use. A significant portion of the former airport site was converted into residential areas, contributing to the expansion of Centralia’s suburban housing. The growing demand for homes in the area led to the construction of new neighborhoods and houses on the airport land. Some parts of the airport property were repurposed for commercial and retail use, which likely included small businesses, strip malls, and service-oriented businesses to support the local economy. As part of the development of the area, some parts of the land may have been used for public infrastructure improvements, including roads and parks, to integrate the new development into the existing urban fabric.