Extreme Makeover: the airport edition

Miami International Airport (MIA) needs help figuring out what to do with 36-acres of real estate. So investors, developers, and entrepreneurs are being invited to submit ideas for how to make over the area around the main entrance of the airport, which is known as Central Boulevard.

This is prime real-estate: “Ninety-six percent of the visitors to Miami – eight million people annually – arrive at MIA, and they all exit the airport on Central Boulevard,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director José Abreu.

What does the airport have in mind? Amenities such as a conference center, a hotel, a retail and office complex, and a service plaza with a convenience store, gas station and dry cleaners. And maybe one of those pet resorts that seem to be popping up at so many other airports these days.

My ideas: A gym with an outdoor swimming pool, a bowling alley, or a really cool miniature golf course

Not into building something brand new? The airport also needs help figuring out what to do with the 252-room in-terminal MIA Hotel.

You have until October 15 to send in your proposals. Here’s a link for more information.

Thanks for visiting Stuck at the Airport. Subscribe to get daily travel tidbits. And follow me on Twitter at @hbaskas and Instagram.