The Amarillo City Council has approved a contract to move forward with the demolition and hazardous material abatement of the long-abandoned English Field Terminal Building at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The project was awarded Tuesday with a total cost of $469,270, which will be funded through airport revenues and is already accounted for in the city’s budget.
City officials say the terminal, originally constructed in the early 1940s, has been out of use for decades. It was effectively replaced in the early 1970s when the current airport terminal opened, leaving the older structure vacant. Over time, the building has significantly deteriorated, prompting increasing concerns about safety risks to the surrounding area.
Before moving forward with demolition plans, the city sought input from the Texas Historical Commission to determine whether the structure held any historical significance. After evaluation, the commission concluded that the building did not meet criteria for preservation. With no historical designation and continued structural decline, city leaders determined that removal was the most practical step.
The project will include not only the demolition of the main terminal building, but also the removal of a nearby utility structure and an aging covered walkway. Once all three structures are cleared, the site will be leveled and restored to a flat condition, making it suitable for potential future development.
City officials also noted that several other buildings once associated with the old terminal had already been demolished in prior years due to similar safety concerns. Coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration has been part of the planning process to ensure compliance and safety throughout the demolition effort.
