Jackson Jet Center on the north side of the Boise Airport has been a plush, tranquil gateway to Boise since an extensive remodel, including stunning local metal art, wrapped up in 2007.

Now the center at 3815 Rickenbacker St. is undergoing a $3 million expansion that will add amenities for pilots, such as an exercise room, as well as more office and hangar space.

General Manager Mark Zacher says the company saw demand that wasn’t being met and believes the changes will attract new business.

“It made sense for us to expand not only for today’s needs but for the future,” Zacher says.

John Jackson bought Boise Air Service in June 2005 and the Boise Executive Terminal in December 2005, for undisclosed sums, combining them into the center.

The addition brings total space to 91,000 square feet. It will add 17 offices with views of the Boise Foothills and the airport, men’s and women’s bathrooms with showers, another conference room, more lobby area, an elevator and a covered entrance off the front of the building for inclement weather.

The center serves a wide variety of customers, from Idaho-based single-engine aircraft to large corporate jets from around the world, Zacher says.

Recently, a small aircraft dropped off a passenger from Twin Falls to catch a commercial flight out of Boise and a jet landed after a nonstop flight from London.

The center also has served corporate executives, presidential candidates and movie stars.

Services include baggage and cargo handling up to large aircraft — charter or airline — deicing and catering.

Zacher says a portion of the offices will open in early August and the rest of the addition in the middle of the month.

The center plans to add employees.

Sandra Forester: 377-6464, Twitter: @IDS_Sandra