Jan 12, 2008

Hangar One getting analysis

Navy picks Washington state firm to examine historic structure

By Melanie Carroll / Daily News Staff Writer

Navy officials revealed this week that a Washington state consulting firm will analyze the structure of Hangar One to help them determine the fate of the Depression-era facility.

Exeltech Consulting has a six-month contract to examine the historic structure's steel frame and its ability to withstand gravity, wind and seismic loads, Navy officials said at Thursday's Restoration Advisory Board meeting, the first of the year.

Roughly 100 Hangar One enthusiasts attended the meeting despite the Navy's announcement last month it wasn't ready to release any conclusions about what to do with the structure that once housed massive airships.

Speakers, including Steve Williams of the Save Hangar One Committee, asked why the Navy decided to do a new analysis before announcing its much-anticipated recommendation for the hangar.

Scott Gromko, the Navy's project manager, said once five alternatives for the hangar were identified, questions arose about whether it could physically hold up under these possible options: Cover it with a rubber-like material; give it an acrylic coating; cover it with a visually similar siding; or remove the siding and coat exposed surfaces. The last option - to demolish and remove the hangar - doesn't need further study, he said.

"Demolition is the one alternative you don't need a structural analysis," said Gromko, noting that more information about what would happen if the siding were removed and weight added is needed.

Palo Alto resident Georganna Hymes, 83, told officials the structure is fine and only needs a new coating.

"There is nothing wrong with the hangar," Hymes said.

Hymes suggested that given the recent rain- and windstorms, the structure would make a perfect emergency shelter.

She also suggested hiring three firms to evaluate and analyze the structure, not just one.

"You need at least three," she said. "We need to hear from them."



E-mail Melanie Carroll at mcarroll@dailynewsgroup.com.