Business/Economy

Lake Hood Seaplane Base proposal would pave way for hangar development

A company is interested in developing a new complex of hangars for small aircraft at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, according to an airport manager.

The proposed project would involve more than 100 “t-hangars” — named for their shape — for small planes, said Jim Szczesniak, manager of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Under a proposed agreement, the international airport would lease the land to an Anchorage company called TLC Properties LLC, according to a public notice from the state.

The plan aligns with efforts to grow and develop the airport, Szczesniak said. There’s airplane parking at the seaplane base right now, but a lot of it is outdoor parking, leaving planes exposed to the elements.

“It increases safety at the airport because it’s better to keep your airplane indoors if you can instead of outdoors,” he said.

The development would cost around $15 million to $18 million, Szczesniak said, which would be paid for by TLC Properties. The airport would make money from land rent.

The hangar complex would be up to 850,000 square feet, according to the state’s notice, in an area just east of the post office at the airport. The lease proposal is open for comments and competing applications through 4 p.m. on Dec. 20.

The Lake Hood Seaplane Base is managed by Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Annie Zak

Annie Zak was a business reporter for the ADN between 2015 and 2019.

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