Courtesy Art Alpena County Regional Airport Consultant RS&H showed off several design plans for the new terminal to be built at the airport. This one is called the Maritime design. The designs are only a representaion of what the terminal could look like and not a final design.

ALPENA — The Alpena County Board of Commissioners Airport Committee got its first look at some preliminary design plans for the new terminal project at Alpena County Regional Airport. Now the commissioners must weigh the options and decide which design they want to move forward with.

Consultant RS&H provided three floor designs and four exterior themes that could be incorporated into the new terminal. Of the themes for the exterior RS&H labeled them as Atrium, Northwoods, Wing and Maritime. Each design features large glass windows to allow as much natural light into the building as possible, as well as wood and concrete accents.

Designer Frank Gratton said before moving into the second phase of design the county needs to choose which floor plan and theme it wabts. He said features from one also could be included in others if the commissioners choose.

“We can blend them together if you want,” Gratton said.

All of the plans feature a large lobby, which will feature a fireplace and plenty of seating. Gratton said having an atmosphere that is comfortable for travelers and people waiting for them is important and he believes all four designs deliver that.

“We see it as being a generous area where people can dwell before their flight,” he said. “It will be centrally located and serve much like a living room type area.”

No mater which terminal is chosen, Gratton said there will be a high level of technology incorporated. He said there will be a business center for business people to work, as well as modern conveniences most people expect today.

“We want them to be able to connect and plug into the world with their smartphones and iPads,” he said.

Previously the county intended to tear down the old terminal, but now officials are having second thoughts. The commissioners and RS&H are now considering leaving it and using it for executive offices, car rental and possibly a restaurant. Because the Federal Aviation Administration will not pay to have these features in the new terminal, the county would. Gratton said the old terminal, with limited modification, could serve those purposes.

Gratton said he knows the commissioners have a difficult decision to make and wanted in no way to rush them. He told them to weigh each option carefully and how it will work for those who use it.

“Eventually we’ll get to the point where we’ll have to set priorities and pick and choose what’s important to the community,” Gratton said.

Once a floor plan and theme is chosen, Gratton said updated designs will be done and then 3-D designs crafted. He said after those are complete a price estimate will be able to be established.

Airport Manager Steve Smigelski liked all of the plans and said any of them will serve the community better than the current terminal, especially the floor plan ideas that are in place.

“They are head and shoulders better than what we have now,” he said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.