PENDLETON — Renovations of the terminal facility at the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton are nearing completion.

Built more than 70 years ago, the Pendleton airport terminal underwent a significant upgrade inside and outside of the building. The Terminal Remodel Project has taken almost a year and costs $3.9 million, according to the city, and involved taking the building down to its bones and rebuilding. The city is holding an open house and ribbon cutting July 6 at noon at the airport to showcase the new look.

“Attendees can experience new renovations as well as enjoy drinks and food during the event,” Airport Manager Dan Bandel said. “The airport terminal now boasts a new paint job inside and out, a new HVAC system, new carpeting, windows, restroom improvement, Elvis’ Bar and Grill improvements and more upgrades.”

The project also pays tribute to Pendleton’s history, with displays featuring the Pendleton Round-Up, the Triple Nickles — the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion — and of course the Doolittle Raiders.

“The Doolittle Raiders and the Triple Nickle Smokejumpers were two remarkable groups of soldiers who had a historical connection to Pendleton,” Bandel said. “The Doolittle Raiders were a team of 80 airmen who carried out the first bombing raid on Japan in 1942, after training at the Pendleton Army Airfield. The Triple Nickle smokejumpers were the nation’s first black paratroopers, who were assigned to Pendleton in 1945 to combat Japanese balloon bombs and forest fires. Both groups demonstrated courage, skill and patriotism in their wartime missions.”

Bandel has been the airport manager since Feb. 15. Before that, he was the air traffic control tower manager at the airport.

“As the largest public airport in Northeast Oregon, we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our valued customers and supporting business growth in our region,” he said. “We extend a warm invitation to our community and business members to join us.”

Bandel also said ongoing renovations of the airfield should be completed soon, bringing the airport into line with modern Federal Aviation Administration standards.