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Saving History:
The United Airlines Hangar and Terminal (UAHT) to Be Re-Erected
September/October 2024
 Re-erection of the dismantled original hanger |
 Main frame re-erected using all original materials |
 Signage with partial mock-up of the base, windows and stucco columns. All photos by Bruce Coons |
The preservation of historic structures is often a challenging endeavor, especially when they stand in the way of modern development. However, with the United Airlines Hangar and Terminal (UAHT), a rare and early example of a 1930s aircraft hangar, has defied the odds and is now being re-erected with a full restoration near its original location at San Diego International Airport.
Constructed circa 1931, the UAHT is the oldest surviving structure associated with Lindbergh Field's earliest development between 1928 and 1933. The hangar is an important artifact from a pivotal era in aviation history, and its preservation has been a priority for SOHO.
In the summer of 2018, the San Diego Airport Authority issued a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Airport's Development Plan, which included potential plans to demolish the UAHT. Recognizing the importance of preserving this historic structure, SOHO began communications and sent a comment letter urging the Airport Authority to relocate the hangar once more rather than demolish it.
Our advocacy bore fruit. By October 2019, SOHO met with airport officials to discuss the development plan's impact on the historic buildings at the airport. While plans to replace Terminal 1 moved forward, officials acknowledged the historical value of the UAHT and included its preservation in their future airport reconfigurations. The decision was made to dismantle the hangar, store the original materials, and eventually re-erect the building.
Today, the hangar’s main frame is up, and the roof trusses are in place, all using the original materials. Images from the site show the progress, including a partial mock-up of the base, windows, and stucco columns. The re-erection of the UAHT is not just a victory for historic preservation but also a significant achievement in maintaining the architectural integrity of Lindbergh Field.
The UAHT is a symbol of San Diego's early aviation history and the collaborative efforts that made its preservation possible.
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