Revolutionizing Aviation Infrastructure in Southern Minnesota: Where Metal Meets Mission

In the quiet southern stretch of Minnesota lies a community where aviation roots run deep and dreams continue to take flight, literally. Long before the Waseca Municipal Airport gained recognition as a standout in regional aviation infrastructure, a more modest airstrip once served as the area’s lifeline to the skies.

A Look Back: Waseca’s First Airport

Waseca’s aviation story began in the 1930s, just south of town, when a privately owned airfield opened to serve a small but passionate community of aviators. Built in an era when air travel was still novel and thrilling, this early airport provided a vital link for local farmers, businesspeople, and hobbyists who relied on their single-engine aircraft for transportation and exploration.

Though rudimentary by today’s standards, the original airfield was a symbol of innovation and independence. Its unpaved runway and basic facilities embodied the grit and resilience of Depression-era America. Pilots fueled their planes by hand, stored them in wooden sheds, and navigated by maps and intuition rather than GPS. But as decades passed and aviation technology advanced, the limitations of the privately run airfield became increasingly evident.

Eventually, the airport closed, but its legacy set the stage for something greater: a modern municipal airport designed to serve the growing needs of Waseca and surrounding communities.

The Birth of Waseca Municipal Airport

In 1974, the Waseca Municipal Airport officially opened two miles west of town, offering a publicly funded alternative that could expand in capacity and services over time. Unlike its predecessor, this airport is managed by a five-member board; four members from the general public and one from the city council, ensuring diverse community representation and forward-thinking oversight.

Today, the airport is the home base for 26 single-engine aircraft and handles as many as 12,500 aircraft arrivals and departures each year. For a general aviation airport of its size, that’s a notable level of activity. Serving a wide range of needs, from agricultural and business travel to recreational flying, the Waseca Municipal Airport has grown into a vital hub for Southern Minnesota’s aviation community.

Investing in the Future: A New Hangar Takes Shape

Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality aircraft storage and services, the City of Waseca made a strategic decision to invest in new aviation infrastructure. In spring 2024, after a competitive bidding process, APX Construction Group, headquartered in Mankato, was selected as the general contractor to construct a state-of-the-art hangar.

APX, known for its excellence in commercial and industrial construction, brought deep expertise and attention to detail to the project. The new hangar features four spacious stalls, each measuring 45 feet by 55 feet, providing ample room for a range of single-engine planes and associated equipment. The project was funded through a smart blend of resources: 95% entitlement grants and 5% local airport investment.

The hangar isn’t just about adding square footage. It expands accessibility, enhances operational capacity, and supports the airport’s long-term goals for growth and sustainability. With more aircraft owners seeking quality storage options, the new facility offers flexibility and peace of mind.

Award-Winning Recognition

This project didn’t just meet expectations—it soared past them.

In April 2025, the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA) recognized the Waseca Municipal Airport’s 4-Unit Hangar Construction with its 2024 Intermediate Small General Aviation Airport Project of the Year award. The honor reflects not only the quality of the design and construction but also the broader impact on aviation infrastructure in a rural setting.

The MCOA award acknowledges airports that demonstrate outstanding planning, collaboration, and execution, especially in communities where resources may be limited. Waseca’s hangar stood out for its forward-thinking approach, excellent craftsmanship, and its ability to serve as a catalyst for regional growth.

The Role of Metallic Building Systems

The key to the success of this project was the use of high-quality building systems. Metallic Building Systems, a national leader in pre-engineered metal structures, provided the structural components for the new hangar.

Metallic’s systems are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of aviation, offering strength, flexibility, and weather resistance—essential features for aircraft storage. These durable materials helped ensure that the Waseca hangar would not only serve immediate needs but also offer long-term value to the community.

The Waseca Municipal Airport hangar features a Metallic Pre-Engineered Metal Building equipped with a Double Lok roof panel system and a roll-over roof installation for enhanced weather protection. The exterior is clad in AVP wall panels with roll-over wall insulation, ensuring energy efficiency and structural durability. The hangar includes four bifold doors for efficient aircraft movement and access. Inside, the steel frame is finished with a clean white coating, contributing to a bright and professional interior workspace. From secure storage to streamlined assembly, Metallic’s contributions made a significant impact, allowing the project to move forward efficiently without compromising on safety or performance.

APX Construction Group partnered with Midwest Steel Erector, their preferred vendor, to bring this aviation project to life, ensuring expert steel erection and flawless execution from start to finish.

Building With Purpose: APX’s Commitment

At the heart of this build is APX Construction Group’s dedication to “building with purpose.” As a general contractor, APX goes beyond simply constructing buildings; they focus on projects that create meaningful, lasting impact. Their involvement in the Waseca hangar project reflects a broader mission to support rural communities, advance infrastructure, and drive regional development.

With headquarters just down the road in Mankato, home to the second busiest airport in Minnesota, driven in part by the Aviation Program at Minnesota State University, APX Construction Group understands the unique needs of Southern Minnesota. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality results across a range of sectors, including commercial real estate, industrial developments, public facilities, and aviation.

The Waseca hangar now joins a growing list of standout projects that demonstrate how thoughtful construction can fuel community progress.

Looking Ahead: More Than a Hangar

Waseca’s aviation journey, which began with a humble strip of land in the 1930s, has evolved into a thriving municipal airport recognized for excellence. The new hangar is more than a storage space—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when vision, partnership, and investment align.

It represents increased opportunity for local aircraft owners, greater flexibility in operations, and renewed energy for the airport’s role in supporting economic mobility. More than that, it reflects the pride of a community that continues to look to the skies with ambition and purpose.

For aviation enthusiasts, city leaders, and future pilots, the Waseca Municipal Airport’s latest chapter proves that even small airports can make a big impact.