Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Gold Lot
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is embarking on CLEvolution, a transformative $6.1 billion modernization program representing the airport’s largest infrastructure investment in its history. The Gold Lot Surface Parking Facility marks the first project in this ambitious campaign, converting existing airfield apron pavement east of Concourse D into a modern surface lot with 1,500 spaces. This critical capacity enables decommissioning of the Orange Lot, clearing the way for subsequent phases including a new parking structure, train station, and terminal building.
HEAPY is providing comprehensive electrical and mechanical engineering design for the facility, partnering with local DBE/MBE firm Advanced Engineering Consultants to support Cleveland’s Community Impact Plan goals. Our team is designing the complete electrical infrastructure, including LED lighting systems with photometric analysis, EV-readiness planning for future charging stations, and power distribution for all facility components.
Electrical Systems & Aviation Integration
The lighting design coordinates with existing Concourse D apron mast lighting while meeting illumination requirements for parking operations. New lighting installations must maintain height restrictions compatible with airfield operations, requiring careful integration with FAA requirements. EV-readiness infrastructure planning incorporates electrical distribution systems and conduit pathways to support charging at 5-10% of parking spaces, providing flexibility for future activation without major infrastructure modifications.
Revenue control system design integrates entry and exit gate equipment, license plate recognition technology, payment stations, and electronic parking displays. We’re coordinating equipment specifications and system integration with the airport’s parking management consultant to ensure compatibility with existing systems while supporting advanced features like pay-on-foot stations at shuttle bus shelters.
Security & Passenger Experience
Security system design encompasses PTZ cameras positioned for complete lot coverage plus emergency call boxes connected to airport police. Our team is designing the fiber optic network backbone connecting security cameras, revenue control devices, and communications systems to airport infrastructure, specifying single-mode fiber with capacity for current needs plus future expansion.
Heated and covered pedestrian walkways connecting the lot to the terminal require mechanical design for climate control plus electrical systems for lighting and HVAC equipment. These conditioned spaces enhance passenger comfort during Cleveland’s variable weather while demonstrating the airport’s commitment to traveler experience.
Working closely with civil engineers, surveyors, and the design-build contractor, HEAPY is coordinating designs that address unique challenges of converting active airfield pavement to public parking. Our electrical designs minimize disruption to existing apron infrastructure through strategic conduit routing that reduces trenching while maintaining access to fuel hydrant systems and critical utilities. Relocated SIDA fencing establishes new secure boundaries around Concourse D, requiring electrical coordination for gate access controls and monitoring systems meeting aviation security standards.
The Gold Lot opens in 2026, launching Cleveland Hopkins International Airport’s decade-long transformation and setting the foundation for Northeast Ohio’s expanded aviation infrastructure.
