CLEvolution Officially Begins with Gold Lot Groundbreaking

Gold Lot Marks First Major Construction Milestone of Phase 1 

Cleveland, Ohio – July 1, 2026 – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) today officially launched CLEvolution with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gold Lot, marking the first major construction milestone in the airport’s multi-year transformation.

The project kicks off visible construction activity tied to CLEvolution, CLE’s long-term effort to modernize the airport experience, improve access and convenience for travelers, and strengthen Cleveland’s role as a key gateway for Northeast Ohio.

As the first major project in Phase 1, the Gold Lot will add approximately 1,600 parking spaces to the airport campus, supporting future growth and laying the groundwork for broader improvements to parking, roadway access, and transit connectivity.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents much more than a new parking lot, it marks the official beginning of CLEvolution and a bold new era for Cleveland Hopkins,” said Bryant L. Francis, C.M., Director of Port Control. “This investment will modernize the airport campus, improve the passenger experience, and position Cleveland for continued economic growth and regional connectivity for decades to come.”

CLEvolution represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the airport’s history and reflects CLE’s long-term commitment to modernizing the airport experience while preparing for future passenger demand.

Construction on the Gold Lot is expected to begin in mid-July, with additional phases of CLEvolution continuing in the years ahead.

The work will be completed by Shook Construction, with Jacobs providing program and construction management services for all three Phase 1 projects.

Photos from today’s groundbreaking event are available for download here: Gold Lot Groundbreaking Assets

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About Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is Northeast Ohio’s global gateway, and Ohio’s busiest airport, serving more than 10 million passengers annually with 10 passenger airlines, four all-cargo airlines, more than 130 daily departures, and nonstop service to more than 40 destinations.

Through CLEvolution, CLE is investing in a modernized airport experience that will better serve passengers, support future growth and strengthen Northeast Ohio’s connection to the world.