Starting next year, the city of Tustin will hold a series of community meetings to discuss what to do with the World War II-era airship hangar, after its twin burned down a year ago. The city paid for additional security to prevent the hangar – one of the largest wooden structures ever built – from suffering the same fate.

Who owns the airship hangar?

The former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station is being gradually turned over to the city and private developers as part of the federal government’s project. military base closure program which are no longer necessary. The historic airship hangar and the land beneath it 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 the intention of demolishing it or using it to generate revenue for the city.

Why does the hangar have its own security service?

Last year, a fire burned down the north hangar, triggering a public health emergency as asbestos-containing debris fell on nearby neighborhoods. Since then, the city has increased security around the South Hangar. Additional patrols, cameras, fencing and other security measures are expected to cost the city $1.35 million this fiscal year, according to a report. presentation of the city in August.

What could the hangar be used for anyway?

The city has leased the south hangar in the past, for about $1 million, according to a 2020 study. report of the Orange County Grand Jury. It has been featured in films, including “Austin Powers,” and in automobile commercials. The massive airship hangar is a landmark in the community and is especially popular with veterans, especially those who served there, and their families.

So what’s the problem?

Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard said any potential future use of the hangar — even its demolition — would require significant funds. The structure is so large that routine maintenance costs millions of dollars, the mayor said.

“It has a lot of value from a sentimental point of view, from a military history point of view … but I think we have to look at this with clear eyes and also protect the financial health of the city,” he said. he added.

How to influence the future of the hangar

The city plans to hold a series of community meetings starting next year to discuss what to do with the south hangar. They haven’t been scheduled yet, but we’ll update the story when they are.

In the meantime, you can watch the August 20 presentation on the South Hangar and what’s happening with the rest of the former military base.