Aviation and economic development are converging at Caldwell Executive Airport, where construction is underway on a one-of-a-kind event venue designed to blend aircraft storage with public gatherings.
The project, known as Vertical Venues, is a 12,000-square-foot privately owned commercial hangar that will be open for public use and events once construction is completed, with an anticipated opening in early June. The $1.3 million facility is expected to become the only aviation-themed event venue of its kind in Idaho.
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Project manager James Steele, an Air Force veteran and experienced helicopter pilot, said the concept is intended to both support the airport’s growth and introduce the broader community to aviation.
“Sometimes a kid going to an airshow is all it takes for them to want to become a commercial pilot,” Steele said. “It’s just going to open up the community’s airport.”
Located at 4916 East Linden Street, adjacent to the airport terminal, the venue is already accepting bookings for corporate events, weddings, quinceañeras, and private receptions beginning June 1. The venue’s initial capacity is set at 250 guests, with plans to increase attendance limits as parking infrastructure expands beyond the current 80 spaces. Security will be present at every event, according to Steele.
Vertical Venues is designed to offer a flexible layout that includes space for tables, seating, music, event décor, a projector system, and an antique aircraft available for photography. A standout feature is a 20-by-80-foot aircraft hangar door, which can open during events to provide views of aircraft taking off and landing.
“You’ve got a great view of the runway, but it’s far away enough that there’s not going to be any legitimate noise pollution and shouldn’t interrupt your event,” Steele said. “Having that be able to open and have fresh air come in really make it almost an indoor-outdoor setting.”
In addition to traditional event amenities, the venue will offer optional aviation experiences such as helicopter rides, skydiving, and group helicopter classes, available for an additional charge. A six-hour rental is priced at $4,500, while a 12-hour full-day rental costs $7,500. Aviation add-ons cost $1,000 for one hour of flight time, which can be shared among multiple guests.
Steele said Alpine Aviation LLC, based in Oasis, Idaho, will initially provide helicopter ride services under an FAA Letter of Authorization. Depending on demand, Steele said he hopes to eventually operate flight services more directly.
“If there’s an aircraft operation of any kind happening in a hangar at the airport; it’s authorized and allowed by the FAA — if you have an aircraft in the hangar, you’re authorized,” Steele said. “This hangar, this venue is going to store aircraft when there’s no parties going on.”
The project required careful coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and city officials to ensure compliance with airport rules. Steele signed a 20-year land lease with the Caldwell Executive Airport, with annual rent set at $5,280, and obtained a special use permit, which was approved by the Caldwell City Council in July.
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Airport Director Scott Swanson said the facility’s primary function will remain aeronautical, with non-aeronautical uses allowed under FAA guidance.
“If somebody came out here and wanted to build a building that had nothing aeronautical, or aviation related in it then that would violate FAA rules,” Swanson said.
“The aeronautical attributes of this building are going to stay with the building,” Swanson added.
Swanson said the project is expected to generate additional revenue for the airport, helping offset operating costs without increasing rental rates for other tenants.
“I am trying to bring as much business, aeronautical and non-aeronautical, that I am legally allowed to do to this airport, so I don’t have to raise rental rates for general users — that is my goal,” Swanson said.
Steele said the venue represents an opportunity to contribute to Caldwell’s broader economic development, particularly as the city continues to grow.
“Bringing in an event center is going to spur the economy of Caldwell specifically,” Steele said. “That’s what we’re working for — to make our locality a better place to live.”
Once complete, Vertical Venues will rank among the largest event spaces in Caldwell, excluding the Caldwell Events Center. Steele said he plans to host a grand opening and a quinceañera-focused expo to introduce the venue to the community.
“Caldwell’s the place to be and I’m really excited to bring another venue or event center for things like quinceañeras,” Steele said. “There’s just really only a few places right now in Caldwell and ours will be one of the largest, newest, and most unique.”
Originally reported by MARIELA ESQUIVEL-RODRIGUEZ in Idaho Press.
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