Traverse City development group Socks Construction is proposing to build a new five-story hotel on Cherry Capital Airport property. The Northwest Regional Airport Authority (NRAA) zoning board will discuss the project today (Wednesday) at their 11am meeting in the second-floor conference room at TVC.

A project presentation from Socks Construction shows the hotel being built on forested land off Fly Don't Drive east of the main parking area. Renderings show an anticipated connection to the airport once the terminal eventually expands eastward. Documents indicate a phased approach to a hotel buildout, with phase one offering 89 "keys" (units) and a modular, standalone design. That approach offers a "low-risk start" aligned with Cherry Capital Airport's $120 million terminal expansion starting next spring, according to the presentation.

The hotel would have a rooftop bar, full restaurant, coffee shop, and a 5,000-square-foot banquet room, materials state. Soundproof rooms and an optional shuttle are also mentioned. The presentation cites a year-round occupancy forecast of 50-65 percent as an average baseline. That reflects a winter low in the 44-55 percent range and peak summer high in the 65+ percent range. Socks Construction anticipates heavy usage of the hotel from crews, noting that aviation rules mandate rest for late/early turns and that "more flights equals more crews." Distressed travelers - the industry term for airline customers stranded at an airport - are another likely hotel demographic.

Socks Construction hopes to break ground in the second quarter of 2026. A modular build will take 12-14 months, according to the presentation, putting the hotel on track for a targeted spring 2027 opening. Today's meeting is the first time the NRAA zoning board is reviewing the proposal. This is the second new hotel proposed near Cherry Capital Airport: R&W Enterprises LLC is also pursuing a zoning process through Garfield Township to build a hotel for business travelers across from TVC at the southwest corner of South Airport and Townline roads.