RS&H and Range Regional Airport Awarded Project of the Year by the Minnesota Council on Airports
[Duluth, Minn.] The national engineering, architecture, and consulting firm RS&H, Range Regional Airport, and Max Gray Construction were honored to receive the Project of the Year: Non-Aeronautical Business Development Award by the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA). The award celebrates the success of the Detroit Reman Industrial Facility Expansion Project, a $15 million initiative that exemplifies how collaborative, non-aeronautical development can elevate airport financial sustainability and strengthen local economies.
“Having shovel-ready parcels readily available for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical development has been key to attracting new, long-term tenants to Range Regional Airport. Also key to the airport’s success is having a team of planning and engineering professionals who supported us throughout the construction project,” said Executive Director Barrett Ziemer of Range Regional Airport.
Through this project, RS&H partnered with the Range Regional Airport to support the expansion of Detroit Reman, a long-term tenant operating on non-aeronautical airport land. This expansion not only enhanced Range Regional Airport’s revenue potential but also bolstered local job growth and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The award-winning project highlights the powerful intersection of aviation innovation, sustainable business planning, and public-private collaboration.
“Range Regional Airport has demonstrated how strategic action can transform challenges into opportunities, creating lasting positive economic impact for the community,” said Darren Christopher, PE, Area Discipline Leader, Aviation.
RS&H played a central role in helping the airport secure funding and accelerate project delivery. Working closely with the airport, RS&H advanced necessary funding streams to support the large-scale expansion. The project required meticulous management to meet an aggressive timeline, in which RS&H delivered high-quality project management and communications, ensuring the tenant could swiftly respond to increased demand with a state-of-the-art facility.
This ambitious initiative sets a precedent for how airports in rural communities can redefine their role as engines of economic opportunity through creative non-aeronautical development strategies. Additionally, the Range Regional Airport was recognized with the Award of Excellence from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Aeronautics for its outstanding contributions to aviation in Minnesota. This honor reflects the airport’s exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing the state’s aviation sector.
About RS&H
Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.