In a ceremony yesterday, Detroit-area FBO Pentastar Aviation broke ground on a hangar development at Michigan’s Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) where it has had a presence since 1990, when it relocated form nearby Willow Run Airport. The greenfield “Hangar 1964” project, a nod to the year Pentastar was founded—initially as Chrysler Motor Company’s flight department—will occupy one of the last remaining undeveloped plots of land at KPTK. The six-acre plot acquired by Pentastar was part of a failed development project during the mid-2000s and includes three acres of ramp. 

With an estimated cost of more than $11 million, the complex will include a pair of 25,000-sq-ft hangars bracketing a two-story 5,800-sq-ft lounge/office area for tenants. Given the latest changes to NFPA 409 requirements for foam fire suppression in Group 2 aircraft hangars, the company is in negotiations with the local fire authority for a variance to install 30-foot high doors on the hangars. When complete, the additions will bring Pentastar to more than 200,000 sq ft of aircraft storage space.

Earlier in the day, the company also unveiled its new logo and branding. “Today we bridge our proud heritage from the past with the next chapter in the company’s history demonstrating our commitment to innovation and industry leadership,” said CEO Greg Schmidt. “I couldn’t be more excited to share with you the future look of Pentastar.”