---

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport committee has approved an $8.2 million plan to renovate and expand Concourse B that houses American Eagle and United airlines.

---

As reported in mLive, Lansing-based Christman Company has been chosen to undertake the expansion project. A previous agreement with Minneapolis-based design firm Architectural Alliance, which earlier developed renderings of the concourse B, has also been expanded as part of this new project.

Under the contract, which needs approval of the airport’s board of directors, parts of the Concourse B will be broadened and reconfigured to accommodate Southwest, which will overtake flight operations of its subsidiary, AirTran Airways. Concourse B will also house Southwest Airlines from August 2013.

A new restaurant and retail space will be added that is expected to complete in August 2014. The renovation plan will also include building of a Great Lakes Tap Room, which will provide West Michigan beer and food, reports mLive.

The project is designed to reflect the expected $22.5 million redesign and expansion of the airport’s Grand Hall.