What will happen to the beloved WWII hangar in Tustin after its 'twin' burned down?

Jill Replogle covers public corruption, debates over our voting system, culture war battles — and more.

Published Nov 8, 2024 1:18 PM

An arial view of a burnt-down hangar surrounded by large fields of yellow grass and cracked roadways.

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.

In the foreground, a massive hangar sits intact. To the right of it, a twin structure is in ruins, with smoke still rising from the hull. All around it is wide open space to one side, and signs of suburban development to the other.

The historic blimp hangar, at right, seen as it burned on Nov. 7, 2023.

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Jae C. Hong

Associated Press

)

A black and white photograph of a half egg shaped building with visible scaffolding.

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.

“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.