Collector details plan for historic aviation campus at Paine Field in Everett WA

Everett, WA — John Sessions wants to elevate Paine Field’s reputation among historic aircraft aficionados to an even higher level.

The Seattle attorney and developer introduced a plan last year to build a specialized campus at the Snohomish County Airport for displaying and restoring vintage airplanes. Now Sessions’ vision is supported by a study, which he submitted to the County Council in July.

The report, produced by lawyers, architects and an economist, estimates the campus could add more than $20 million per year to the local economy.

“The experience is greater than the sum of the parts when you have four or five world-class attractions,” Sessions said. “We’re on our way to being a top-10 or even a top-five destination as is. What would add some bandwidth to the experience would be to add some of the international institutions.”

The plan submitted to the county calls for five buildings averaging 30,000 square feet each on the southwest portion of Paine Field. There would be space for Sessions’ Historic Flight Foundation and other museums, as well as restoration shops and perhaps an educational center.

If it gets going, the complex could attract up to 150,000 visitors per year — more than half of them from outside the immediate area, the study estimated. The site would employ about 60 people.

A first phase of buildings, in theory, could be finished within two years and a final phase by 2019.

It’ll be up to elected officials to decide whether to try to make it happen. The county would have to set aside 12 acres of Paine Field real estate for a reduced-rate, or no-cost lease. The airport’s master plan designates the area for general aviation hangars.

Sessions has promised that the campus could operate without any public debt. Independent institutions would develop the buildings.

Paine Field already boasts a spectacular array of airplane museums and education centers.

There’s the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, which drew about 250,000 visitors last year.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has his Flying Heritage Collection and Sessions the Historic Flight Foundation.

Seattle’s Museum of Flight operates a restoration center at Paine Field.