It’s hard to remember back to the pre 9/11 days, and how much more relaxed the border was. This proposal that was floated in the post war years is a good reminder of how much closer we used to be. This proposal would have made for a logistical and security nightmare in today’s world. Crazy to image that this was once considered as an option rather than Metro Airport. Taking up half the bridge would have changed things too. As a closed access road, it likely would never have been allowed to fall into private ownership and there likely would have been a new bridge built years ago….
Below is the caption that went with the image above:
Here is the very latest artist’s conception of the proposed Detroit-Windsor International Airport. It was prepared by the Detroit Metropolitan Aviation Authority, whose director, Mr. Eugene Fryhoff, permitted this photo to be taken by The Star in his office in downtown Detroit. The port, as presently contemplated, would have its terminal buildings located approximately two miles from the Canadian end of the Ambassador Bridge, about three-quarters of a mile west of Huron Line. The northern boundary of the new port would be about three-quarters of a mile from Windsor’s city limits. The airport terminal would be five and a half miles from the Detroit city hall. A “closed access road” would be used by passengers from and destined to Detroit. Passengers from Windsor or destined to Windsor would use the Canadian entrance between Huron Line and the terminal buildings. The closed road-way would take up half the present 57-foot width of the Ambassador Bridge, leaving the remaining half for other bridge traffic. Under treaty arrangements which will be sought, the 2,500 acres required for the airport would be regarded by Detroiters as part of the United States. They would step from their planes into the enclosed roadway without customs or immigration inspection. As presently contemplated, the Malden road pavement would be almost in the centre of the area. Construction of the airport would close the road. The above sketch was made from an aerial photograph and was painted in several colors by Mr. James Reid, a staff member of D.M.A.A. and widely known artist.
A fascinating story. The proposed airport would have seen big changes to west Windsor and LaSalle, and perhaps not for the better. If I’m to believe a map I’ve seen, the property would have taken up the entire Ojibway Park complex, much of Malden Park and Spring Garden ANSI, and even Ambassador Golf and the former Windsor Raceway. For the interested, there’s a good series of stories by George Thurston on the project in the Jan 18-27, 1950 editions of the Windsor Star.
What a horrible idea! This would have devastated the west end. And can you imagine the air traffic over the city proper? Good that it never happened.
Plus, they wanted to designate it U.S. territory on Canadian land. This is not an option.
What a great story and photo. I did not know this, but it was before my time. Thanks for sharing.