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What will happen to the beloved WWII hangar in Tustin after its 'twin' burned down?
The structural remains of the Tustin hangar that burned down a year ago. Its twin is visible in the background.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Starting next year, the city of Tustin will hold a series of community meetings to discuss what to do with the remaining World War II blimp hangar after its twin burned down a year ago. The city has been paying for extra security to keep the hangar — one of the largest wooden structures ever built — from suffering the same fate.
Who owns the blimp hangar?
The former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin is gradually being turned over to the city and private developers as part of the federal government’s program to close military bases that are no longer needed. The historic blimp hangar and the land underneath are still owned by the federal government. But Tustin has leased what’s known as the South Hangar, the one that’s still standing, since 2002, with plans to either demolish it or put it to use generating revenue for the city.
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Why does the hangar have its own security detail?
Last year, a fire torched the North Hangar, sparking a public health emergency as debris with asbestos rained down on nearby neighborhoods. Since then, the city has bumped up security around the South Hangar. The added patrols, cameras, fencing and other security measures are expected to cost the city $1.35 million this fiscal year, according to a city presentation in August.
The historic blimp hangar, at right, seen as it burned on Nov. 7, 2023.
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Jae C. Hong
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Associated Press
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A historic view of the hangar in the former Tustin base.
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City of Tustin
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What could the hangar be used for, anyway?
The city has rented out the South Hangar in the past, grossing about $1 million, according to a 2020 report from the Orange County Grand Jury. It’s been featured in films, including “Austin Powers,” and car commercials. The massive blimp hangar is a landmark in the community and beloved especially by veterans, particularly those who served there, and their families.
So what's the problem?
Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard said any potential future use for the hangar — even demolishing it — will require significant funds. The structure is so large that routine maintenance costs millions of dollars, the mayor said.
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“There's a lot of value there from a sentimental value, from a military history perspective … but I think we need to look at this through clear eyes and also protect the financial health of the city,” he added.
How you can weigh in on the hangar’s future
The city plans to hold a series of community meetings starting next year to discuss what to do with the South Hangar. They have yet to be scheduled, but we’ll update the story when they are.
In the meantime, you can watch the Aug. 20 presentation about the South Hangar and what’s happening with the rest of the former military base.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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