Category

2006 Annual Meeting

HANGAR REMODELING BEGINS

Historic Hangar One looks different. Bulldozers and cranes began last summer to prepare the building for its new tenants, and the remodeling process is expected to continue for at least a year. As of June 1, two tenants have signed leases for large spaces with the developer, Oliver McMillan. AVon Maur department store will occupy the entire north end of the hangar, while Galyan's, a sporting goods chain, open a large store in the south end. Additional tenants are expected to come on board soon.

All roads around the hangar have been torn up, and the entire area is devoted to construction equipment. All Hangar One artifacts have been removed from their storage spaces in the hangar.

The developer and tenants have agreed to retain the north and south pods ("fishbowls") at either end of the hangar, as well as the center entrance and the control tower on the roof. Virtually all other aspects of the east façade will be changed, including removing both hangar doors. In addition, major alterations will be made in the shape and height of both the north and south walls. The Illinois State Historical Preservation Office has accepted these changes, even though the proposed plan, including the demolition and alteration of approximately 30% of the primary historic façade, does not meet the standards for rehabilitation of a building on the National Register of Historic Places.