Meigs Field Airport | Chicago, Illinois
Meigs Field Airport in Chicago, once a bustling airstrip nestled along the lakefront, became infamous for its dramatic and sudden closure in the early hours of March 30, 2003. The airport’s fate was sealed in a controversial move by then-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, whose decision sparked a nationwide debate over government control, urban development, and the rights of airport tenants.
Meigs Field was a small, public airport located on Northerly Island, just a stone’s throw from downtown Chicago. Opened in 1948, it served as a key hub for general aviation. With its prime location offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Meigs was a favorite among pilots, especially those flying private planes or smaller aircraft. It was also a vital resource for businesses and individuals needing quick access to the city—often for short regional flights or air taxis.
For many years, the airport was a well-loved feature of the city’s lakefront, providing not just transportation but also recreational opportunities. The airport’s convenience—just minutes away from the heart of Chicago—made it a coveted asset for aviation enthusiasts and business travelers alike. However, as the years wore on, the tensions between preserving the airport and pursuing urban development would come to a head.
The Closure: A Midnight MoveIn the early morning hours of March 30, 2003, while many Chicagoans were still sleeping, workers under the direct orders of Mayor Daley’s office plowed under the airport’s runway. This was not a gradual process—there was no public hearing, no citywide consultation. The move was swift and decisive, and it shocked airport tenants, city residents, and aviation advocates across the country.
Daley, who had long advocated for the redevelopment of Northerly Island, argued that the airport had become an outdated and unnecessary facility. He believed that the prime real estate occupied by Meigs Field would be better used for recreational and cultural purposes that would benefit the public.
Daley’s decision was not only bold but highly controversial. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had raised objections, and the move went against numerous legal agreements with the federal government, which had granted the city money for airport improvements. Many critics accused Daley of circumventing the democratic process, while aviation groups and the public saw it as a blatant example of government overreach and the dismissal of public opinion.
In the wake of the closure, there was a significant legal and political battle. The FAA quickly filed a lawsuit against the city, asserting that the closure violated federal law and seeking compensation for the unauthorized demolition of the runway. Despite this, the city ultimately won the legal battle, and Meigs Field remained closed for good. Though the closure was controversial, it was emblematic of a growing trend in urban redevelopment, where prime real estate was seen as a tool for revitalizing city infrastructure—often at the cost of smaller, underused facilities like Meigs Field.
Once the airport was closed, the question of what to do with Northerly Island remained. Mayor Daley’s vision for the site was one of public space and environmental revitalization. The land was transformed into a sprawling park that provided residents with access to the lakefront while serving as a recreational area for sports, events, and leisure.
In 2004, the city initiated a $12 million redevelopment plan to transform Northerly Island. The park, known as Northerly Island Park, opened to the public in 2006, and over the years, it has undergone several phases of development.
The island now features walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces for activities like jogging, bird watching, and outdoor sports. The transformation of the island into a park was intended to provide the people of Chicago with a much-needed escape from the urban landscape. A key development on Northerly Island was the construction of the Harris Theater, which opened in 2010. It was designed to host outdoor concerts, cultural events, and performances. The space became a hub for arts and entertainment, offering a unique venue with views of the lake and skyline.
In addition to recreation, the redevelopment plan focused on restoring native ecosystems on the island. This included planting native grasses and restoring habitats for wildlife, providing both environmental benefits and natural beauty in the heart of the city.Northerly Island became a popular spot for Chicagoans looking for peaceful, waterfront activities while still being close to the city center. The park’s proximity to the downtown area also made it an attractive spot for tourism and local events.
The closure of Meigs Field and the transformation of Northerly Island into a park left a complicated legacy. For some, the airport was a symbol of Chicago’s aviation history, and its loss was felt deeply by those who loved its location and convenience. For others, the transformation into a park represented an important step toward environmental conservation and public space creation in an ever-growing metropolis.
What remains today is Northerly Island Park, a testament to the bold vision of Mayor Daley and his push to turn prime urban land into a green oasis for Chicago residents. Although Meigs Field is long gone, its closure and the debate that followed remain a defining chapter in the city’s history, showcasing the tensions between development and preservation, and the way cities evolve with changing priorities.
The closure of Meigs Field, and the subsequent transformation of the land into a public park, highlighted the conflict between urban growth and community interests. While some saw the decision as a blow to aviation in Chicago, others saw it as a necessary step to repurpose the lakefront area for future generations. The move left a lasting imprint on how cities balance development, public access, and the preservation of history in urban planning.
Meigs Field was a small, public airport located on Northerly Island, just a stone’s throw from downtown Chicago. Opened in 1948, it served as a key hub for general aviation. With its prime location offering stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Meigs was a favorite among pilots, especially those flying private planes or smaller aircraft. It was also a vital resource for businesses and individuals needing quick access to the city—often for short regional flights or air taxis.
For many years, the airport was a well-loved feature of the city’s lakefront, providing not just transportation but also recreational opportunities. The airport’s convenience—just minutes away from the heart of Chicago—made it a coveted asset for aviation enthusiasts and business travelers alike. However, as the years wore on, the tensions between preserving the airport and pursuing urban development would come to a head.
The Closure: A Midnight MoveIn the early morning hours of March 30, 2003, while many Chicagoans were still sleeping, workers under the direct orders of Mayor Daley’s office plowed under the airport’s runway. This was not a gradual process—there was no public hearing, no citywide consultation. The move was swift and decisive, and it shocked airport tenants, city residents, and aviation advocates across the country.
Daley, who had long advocated for the redevelopment of Northerly Island, argued that the airport had become an outdated and unnecessary facility. He believed that the prime real estate occupied by Meigs Field would be better used for recreational and cultural purposes that would benefit the public.
Daley’s decision was not only bold but highly controversial. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had raised objections, and the move went against numerous legal agreements with the federal government, which had granted the city money for airport improvements. Many critics accused Daley of circumventing the democratic process, while aviation groups and the public saw it as a blatant example of government overreach and the dismissal of public opinion.
In the wake of the closure, there was a significant legal and political battle. The FAA quickly filed a lawsuit against the city, asserting that the closure violated federal law and seeking compensation for the unauthorized demolition of the runway. Despite this, the city ultimately won the legal battle, and Meigs Field remained closed for good. Though the closure was controversial, it was emblematic of a growing trend in urban redevelopment, where prime real estate was seen as a tool for revitalizing city infrastructure—often at the cost of smaller, underused facilities like Meigs Field.
Once the airport was closed, the question of what to do with Northerly Island remained. Mayor Daley’s vision for the site was one of public space and environmental revitalization. The land was transformed into a sprawling park that provided residents with access to the lakefront while serving as a recreational area for sports, events, and leisure.
In 2004, the city initiated a $12 million redevelopment plan to transform Northerly Island. The park, known as Northerly Island Park, opened to the public in 2006, and over the years, it has undergone several phases of development.
The island now features walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces for activities like jogging, bird watching, and outdoor sports. The transformation of the island into a park was intended to provide the people of Chicago with a much-needed escape from the urban landscape. A key development on Northerly Island was the construction of the Harris Theater, which opened in 2010. It was designed to host outdoor concerts, cultural events, and performances. The space became a hub for arts and entertainment, offering a unique venue with views of the lake and skyline.
In addition to recreation, the redevelopment plan focused on restoring native ecosystems on the island. This included planting native grasses and restoring habitats for wildlife, providing both environmental benefits and natural beauty in the heart of the city.Northerly Island became a popular spot for Chicagoans looking for peaceful, waterfront activities while still being close to the city center. The park’s proximity to the downtown area also made it an attractive spot for tourism and local events.
The closure of Meigs Field and the transformation of Northerly Island into a park left a complicated legacy. For some, the airport was a symbol of Chicago’s aviation history, and its loss was felt deeply by those who loved its location and convenience. For others, the transformation into a park represented an important step toward environmental conservation and public space creation in an ever-growing metropolis.
What remains today is Northerly Island Park, a testament to the bold vision of Mayor Daley and his push to turn prime urban land into a green oasis for Chicago residents. Although Meigs Field is long gone, its closure and the debate that followed remain a defining chapter in the city’s history, showcasing the tensions between development and preservation, and the way cities evolve with changing priorities.
The closure of Meigs Field, and the subsequent transformation of the land into a public park, highlighted the conflict between urban growth and community interests. While some saw the decision as a blow to aviation in Chicago, others saw it as a necessary step to repurpose the lakefront area for future generations. The move left a lasting imprint on how cities balance development, public access, and the preservation of history in urban planning.