Old Billard Airport terminal may get new life

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The former airport terminal at the Philip Billard Municipal Airport in Topeka may escape demolition and get a new lease on life.

KSNT 27 News reached out to Curtis Sneden, director of development with the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), to learn where things stand with the former terminal building.

Sneden said new ideas are being put forward regarding the terminal, such as turning it into a training facility for pilots.

"With the many changes taking place at Philip Billard airport, we have been pleasantly surprised by local aviators coming forward with their own fresh ideas," Sneden said.

Built in 1954, the terminal was described as a "constant maintenance nightmare" by Airport President/Director of Airports Eric Johnson in 2023 and was slated to be razed. Work on the brand-new terminal was completed earlier this year.

"The MTAA no longer has a use for the building but our Board has put the demolition plans on hold while we discuss such possibilities," Sneden said.

The old terminal building once housed the restaurant Tammy's and the Fixed Base Operator. A new restaurant, SKY, opened inside the new terminal following its completion.

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