Tustin wants help deciding what should happen to a hulking, historic blimp hangar

The city of Tustin is asking residents to weigh in on what should happen to the beloved hangar that is the city's most prominent icon.

Community discussions are underway to plan for the undeveloped parts of the former military base within city limits — including what to do with the historic World War II blimp hangar after its twin burned down in 2023.

The backstory

Marine Corps Air Station Tustin was built in 1942 as a base for blimps charged with patrolling the coastline for enemy craft during World War II. The base was closed in 1999, and the U.S. military has been slowly turning the land over to be redeveloped as neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and local government offices.

Tustin is now planning what to do with about 500 acres of undeveloped land in the district dubbed Tustin Legacy.

Tell me more about the fire

The massive, historic blimp hangars are among the largest freestanding wooden structures ever built. Their fate had been hotly debated for decades — raze them? preserve them? and if so, what for? — until November 2023, when a fire broke out in what’s known as the north hangar and quickly got out of control.

It engulfed one of the “twin” hangars on the property: The structure was so large that the flames burned for 24 days and spewed asbestos-laden debris as far as 10 miles away, costing taxpayers well over $100 million for cleanup.

And the remaining hangar?

The city is now asking the public to weigh in on what should happen with the remaining blimp hangar and the surrounding undeveloped land. The hangar has been used to film commercials and movies. And it has historic and sentimental value for many residents and families of World War II veterans.

Finding the money to refurbish and maintain it for safe reuse would be a major challenge.

Here’s how you can get involved

• Visit the city’s booth at the Viva Tustin Celebration from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 2 at Frontier Park, 1400 Mitchell Ave. 
• Go to a public meeting: The first one is scheduled for May 13 at the Annex, 15445 Lansdowne Road. (Time TBD.)
• Email or call the city with your thoughts: TustinLegacy@tustinca.org, (714) 788-5859.
• Learn about the Tustin Legacy development plan and sign up for updates on the city’s website.
• Watch the city’s video on the Tustin Legacy development update.