Westosha Airport

The closure was primarily for economic reasons, precipitated by the death of its long-time owner and operator, Wally Stenstrom, in 2001. As is common with small, privately-owned, public-use airports, the family likely found it unfeasible to continue operations and subsequently sold the valuable land to a developer. The land was rezoned from agricultural/airport use to industrial, paving the way for its redevelopment.

The airport site has been completely and irreversibly redeveloped. There are no remaining traces of the runway, taxiways, or hangars. The land is now occupied by a massive industrial and commercial complex, primarily serving as a major distribution and corporate campus for the Uline corporation. Large warehouses, office buildings, and parking lots now cover the entirety of the former airfield.

Westosha Airport (formerly FAA identifier: 5C8) was a classic, small general aviation airport that served the Western Kenosha County community. Established between 1963 and 1968, it was a hub for local pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The airport featured a single 2,600-foot turf runway (18/36) and several small hangars. It was known for its friendly, 'grass-roots' atmosphere, hosting local fly-in events and supporting a small community of private pilots. Operations consisted entirely of general aviation traffic, including flight training, recreational flying, and aircraft maintenance. It represented a type of small, community-focused airfield that has become increasingly rare due to economic pressures and urban expansion.

None. The prospect of reopening Westosha Airport is zero. The land has been entirely re-purposed for large-scale industrial use with permanent structures built directly on the former airport grounds. The original infrastructure is gone, and the land is privately owned by a corporation with no interest in aviation. There is no physical space or political will to re-establish an airport at this location.