In 2009, when this excerpt from a report by the National Trust for Historic Preservation was published in arcCA, Hangar One at Moffett Field in Silicon Valley was among the Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Subsequently, according to the Trust, “In November 2014, a Google subsidiary signed a deal with NASA to lease Moffett Field near Mountain View, California, and rehabilitate Hangar One . . . . The deal represents a watershed victory for one of the most recognized landmarks in Silicon Valley, built in 1932 as a docking station for the dirigible USS Macon, the largest aircraft in the world at that time . . . . Google plans to replace the siding and use the hangar as a scientific and educational facility.”
January 15, 2009—Hangar One, with its exceptional character, innovative design and technical virtuosity, has long been one of the most recognizable landmarks of California’s Silicon Valley. This cavernous, dome-shaped structure, built in 1932 to house U.S. Navy dirigibles, measures 200 feet tall and covers more than 8 acres of land. Despite its historical and architectural significance, Hangar One’s future now hangs in the balance.
A 2003 inspection revealed PCBs are leaking from Hangar One’s metallic exterior. Although the Navy transferred Hangar One to NASA in 1994, it remains responsible for environmental remediation. In early 2009, after a long and contentious public review process, the Navy formally decided to remove the contamination by stripping the Hangar of its exterior siding, doors, and windows, but leaving its large steel frame. The Navy passed on the difficult reconstruction task to NASA, Hangar One’s current owner. While NASA has pledged that it is committed to reconstruct the Hangar, public support is critical to ensure this work occurs concurrently with the environmental cleanup. Such coordination will minimize the risk of damage to the Hangar’s steel frame, save money, and ensure that work is historically appropriate.
The preservation commitment by NASA is noteworthy considering that the Navy originally proposed to demolish Hangar One outright. That proposal caused an outcry from local residents, preservation groups and elected officials. In response to this public opposition, the Navy agreed to prepare a revised Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis report to assess other viable solutions. This revised proposal, though hotly contested, has now been adopted. It is now the responsibility of NASA to ensure that the skeletal frame the Navy leaves behind will quickly be returned to a useable form. Without quick action, the frame will be exposed to the elements and could lead to the slow deterioration and eventual loss of Hangar One.
A group of local citizens have formed the grass roots organization Save Hangar One. They continue to wage an effective campaign, coordinating information for the community and others on the status of the Navy’s remediation plan and meeting notices. The group is also mobilizing efforts to have NASA consider rehabilitating Hangar One for adaptive reuse or educational purposes . . . .
What you can do: write to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Representative Anna Eschoo and request that they encourage NASA to act quickly to secure funds and create a preservation plan for Hangar One that will be closely coordinated with the Navy’s remediation action.
Originally published 1st quarter 2009, in arcCA 09.1, “Entitlements.”
