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Detroit airport renovates

by Grant Martin (RSS feed) on Sep 8th 2008 at 9:30AM

Most people don't know that Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) has two terminals, the McNamara terminal controlled by Northwest Airlines and various Skyteam partners and the Smith terminal, home to the other stragglers including United and Spirit. The reason that few people know about Smith is that it's kind of a dump. Anyone who has flown through the terminal in the last five years has been horrified at the filth, disrepair and general stench of the facitilites, and frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if that has helped Northwest reap some profit.

Really, it couldn't go on much longer, so the Metro Airport Authority authorized the construction of the (to be named?) North Terminal, to be opened September 17th. With this terminal's completion, Detroit will now have two respectable terminals, which locals hope should inject some competition and energy into the local economy.

So how does it look? Gadling had the opportunity to attend the opening gala last friday and took some photos for the world. In a few words? It's nice. It's significantly smaller than McNamara terminal and less stylized -- no high, swooping ceilings, moving walkways or TV screens on the walls -- but it gets the job done. A variety of standard stores are in place, including a Brookstone, Coffee Beanery and McDonalds and everything has a very functional look about it. It's an amazingly fresh breath of air from the Smith Terminal. Take a look below.

Lets hope the North terminal spurs some more airlines to call Detroit home, compete with Northwest and bring prices down.