Hopkins Brings on Three Construction Partners to Launch Modernization

This article is originally from Crain’s Cleveland Business, published October 22, 2025.

Construction teams are in place for big projects that are about to kick off Cleveland Hopkins International Airport’s ambitious, multiyear modernization plan.

Airport officials on Wednesday, Oct. 22, announced partnerships with three companies — CLE Connection Group, Jacobs and Shook Construction — that will handle key elements of Hopkins’ $2 billion Terminal Modernization Development Program, branded as CLEvolution.

First out of the gate is the Gold Lot Parking Development. Shook is starting design work this month and construction early next year on the $22.5 million project, which will add about 1,600 parking spaces by late 2026 or early 2027.

The lot will be constructed adjacent to Concourse D, “setting the foundation for future landside improvements and easing parking access for travelers as modernization progresses,” the airport said in a news release.

Shook, in its own news release, said that by “working with the City of Cleveland and through partnerships,” the company “will maximize opportunities for local workers and small businesses, bringing a positive economic impact to the region.”

Matt Danis, Shook Vice President and Great Lakes Regional Manager, said in a statement, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of CLEvolution and work with our partners to bring a positive impact to the region today and for years to come.”

Meanwhile, CLE Connection Group — a design-build team of Gilbane Building, Donley’s, Next Generation Construction, Independence Excavating, Vocon, Pickard Chilton, Osborn Engineering, DESMAN, and GFT — will be responsible for a new, 6,000-space parking garage, a new ground transportation center, and a new and relocated RTA station slated to open in 2029.  

The group’s work on that $301 million project “will enhance passenger access and mobility, creating a more seamless arrival and departure experience while serving as a cornerstone of CLE’s modernization journey,” the airport said.

Kyle Merrill, Principal-in-Charge of CLE Connection Group, said the project “will be a great example of collaboration in action.”

Hopkins officials said Jacobs will provide program and construction management for the modernization initiative. It “will oversee critical elements, including project controls, scheduling and worksite safety, ensuring the program advances efficiently, sustainably, and with the passenger experience at its core,” the airport said in its release.

Katus Watson, Executive Vice President of Jacobs, noted in a statement that the company has done work “at 25 of the busiest U.S. airports,” adding, “With smarter design, expanded amenities and a seamless flow, we’re helping deliver an airport experience that matches the pride and hospitality of the city itself and transforms the passenger journey from curb to gate.”

An airport spokesperson said the terms of the contracts with the three firms are as follows:

• Shook: $855,319 for design (design funding authorized, construction funding not yet authorized)
• CLEConnection Group: $15,428,962 for design (design funding authorized, construction funding not yet authorized)
• Jacobs: Up to $15,000,000 per year

Funding for the master plan comes from the airlines that use the airport. Over the last 15 months, the group of carriers approved $476 million to support the plan.

After the new parking garage is in place, the current smart parking garage will be demolished, and the site of the old garage will become “the new, modernized front door” of the airport, Hopkins officials said. That estimated $1.1 billion project is expected to be completed in 2032. Further airline funding approvals will be needed.