Airport History

The formal opening of the Lawrence Airport, at its current location, was in 1929. The airport property was first owned by the university of Kansas, then deeded to the Kansas University Endowment Association and then sold to the City of Lawrence in 1977. Four runways were originally constructed on this site: a 2,600-foot northeast southwest runway, a 1,800-foot north/south runway, a 1,700-foot east/west runway, and a 1,250-foot northwest/southwest runway.

In 1936, the improvements included the surfacing of the four runways with three inches of cinders, boundary markers, a landing are markers circle; and concrete floors, aprons, and lighting were added to two hangers.

In 1941, the runways were extended to the following lengths:

In 1958, by Grant Agreement wit the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the predecessor to the Federal Aviation Administration, a new northeast/southwest, 3,000-foot runway (1-19) was constructed using a seven-inch soil cement bas and two inches of asphalt surfacing. Also constructed was a taxiway from the south end of the runway to the hangar area, a 150-foot by 340-foot apron, medium intensity runway lights, a lighted rotating beacon, and a natural gas line to the administration building. The administration building was enlarged to provide a waiting room, airport manager's offices, pilot's ready room, lounge, and restrooms.

During 1962 and 1963, additional clear zone aviation easements were obtained. In 1969, an 83-foot by 120-foot hangar was constructed to provide space for storage and complete repair service by the fixed base operator. A 30-foot by 150-foot T-hangar and a 30-foot by 170-foot tie-down slab were constructed to provide additional storage.

Following is a summary of airport improvement program projects completed at the airport since it was purchased by the City of Lawrence: