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Two image maps on the home page show an aerial view of the NASA Ames Research Center. Hovering your cursor over Hangars 1, 2 and 3, and Buildings 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23 and 25 reveals a photograph of each structure and a image bearing a brief description of each structure. The content of each building description is provided below.
Hangar 1
Hangar 1 was built in 1932 as a dirigible hangar. It housed the USS Macon, a U.S. Navy dirigible. The hangar structure consists of steel truss arches, metallic sheathing and full clam shell doors which define its distinctive "Streamline Moderne" shape. The sides curve upward and inward to form an elongated dome. Large distinctive rectangular windows, located in four horizontal bands, appear in the slanted side walls of the structure. The hangar is 1,140 feet long, 308 feet wide, 198 feet in height and has approximately 8 acres of floor space (351,000 square feet). One of the two original floodlight towers is also visible adjacent to the hangar. Hangar 1 is a distinctive landmark in the San Francisco Bay area.
Hangars 2 and 3
The site consists of two hangars, built in 1942, for the blimp fleet utilized during World War II. Hangar 2 has 347,000 square feet of floor area and Hangar 3 has 434,000 square feet of floor area. Unlike the steel structure of Hangar 1, the structural members of Hangars 2 and 3 are wood timbers. At each of the four corners of the hangars, large concrete piers dominate the entry portals.
Building 2
This building was originally constructed to be a balloon hangar, which accounts for its large interior open space. The building is 130 feet by 88 feet, 63 feet high, and has 19,691 square feet of floor area. The utilitarian architectural style is typical of the functional outbuildings in the historic district.
Building 10
One of the original buildings of the Historic District, the steam plant is a large block building massing in an irregular "T" form that is two stories in height. The building is sheathed in stucco with a flat roof. With its ornate pilasters, it is a handsome version of a utilitarian industrial design. Building 10 is located with other functional outbuildings in the service area of the Historic District.
Building 17
Building 17 is the most prominently sited structure of the Historic District's campus plan. It is located at the end of the of the grass mall and was the first structure constructed for the U.S. Naval Air Station in 1931. This building consists of two stories with a total area of 19,000 square feet and has been used as a Navy headquarters and administration building. The building's architectural style represents a late example of Spanish Colonial Revival style and it includes a distinctive bell tower.
Building 18
Building 18 was originally designated as the Aerological Building. It has been used for various purposes over the years including a communications and a carrier pigeon deployment facility. The 3,700 square foot building is unique with its third floor observation penthouse room. The architecture is an interpretation of the Spanish Colonial Revival Style.
Building 19
The Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building was constructed in 1933. It originally served as a barracks and had a brig in the basement. The central core of the building is of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The original structure was greatly enlarged with International Style wing additions at both ends. Today it consists of 151,000 square feet of floor area.
Building 20
Building 20 is the former military Bachelor Officer Quarters. It was built in 1932/1933 era and exhibits an ornamented interpretation of the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural design. The entry of this building includes an elegant grand lobby reminiscent of a fine hotel. A dining hall and kitchen are situated behind the lobby. Much of the interior of the building retains the original custom tile work, paneled wooden doors and arts and crafts lighting.
Building 23
Building 23, located across the mall from Building 25, was originally designed to serve as the base dispensary for the U.S. Navy. It has two stories and consists of 28,000 square feet of floor area. This building is a elegant representation of the Spanish Colonial Revival design and, like most others of the original U.S. Naval Air Station, dates from the 1932 - 1933 era. The memorial anchor, which is seen in the foreground, is also considered a significant object within the Historic District.
Building 25
Building 25 was originally utilized by the Navy as a theater and recreation facility. The 24,300 square foot structure is of Spanish Revival style and consists of two stories and a basement. The theater accommodates over 200 people.
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