Moffett Field Update

Just looking at the availability of space (land) at this location, it looks like this would be an issue for a large, new air and space museum. As part of Google's (Planetary Ventures) contract with the government to operate and manage the airfield, they naturally want to use the large hangers for internal (business) use. The area between Hwy. 101 and the field is NASA Ames and the NASA Research Park. Space (buildings) in the Research Park is being leased to various start-ups and universities. The long term plan is to continue to share this area and improve the park. In the lease proposal, Google committed to build an educational/conference/museum facility of approx. 90,000 sq. ft. Congratulations to the many people who dedicated their time to this concept, along with saving Hangar One. Unfortunately, the current plan doesn't provide enough space for a truly grand air and space museum, which is the goal discussed here and via a new Facebook website. And, sites for a large, new museum elsewhere are also disappearing at a rapid rate as developers want the space for commercial/residential use. This is the case with the Great Park in Orange County, property next to Long Beach airport and the former Naval weapons depot in Concord, CA. We are still optimistic, though.

Hangar One Questions

Hangar One at Moffett Field could provide the space needed, as suggested by some, for a new Air and Space Museum. Unfortunately, I am not sure using this historic structure would be compatible with housing Google's fleet of corporate aircraft. Building codes differentiate between use of space involving the assembly of hundreds of people and things like aircraft full of fuel. The final decision would have to be made by the Building Department based on a “mixed occupancy” design that provides an adequate fire sprinkler system, means of egress, and access for emergency vehicles. Modern day earthquake standards are another hurdle. While I personally believe Moffett doesn't have enough operations (number of takeoffs and landings) for the public to enjoy, there are other positive aspects to this location.