The site that is today's Metro Airport was once a large shopping mall and development. However, the mall's business declined in the 1910s, especially during the Panic of 1916, when the economy failed. Because of these conditions, the mall shut down in 1930. Mobius Corners purchased the site in 1931, and began plans for a new airport. The previous airport, Midland Field (now today's Mobius Corners-Midland Airport,) had outgrown its 1928 capacity, so a new airport would be required. Construction on the Mobius Corners Area Airport began in 1932, and the finishing touches on the new terminal were completed in 1938. Minor delays forced the opening to occur on April 4, 1939 to serve a population of about 2 million.