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A place to park history

The big tin shed known as Hangar 1 may be declared historic.

By JON WILSON
Published October 15, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - Seventy-two years ago today, a Ryan monoplane rumbled aloft from Albert Whitted Airport, announcing the birth of what would become one of the nation's major airlines.

Bound for Daytona Beach, the four-passenger plane, 105 gallons of fuel feeding its single engine, was one of two that National Airlines parked inside a cavernous building dubbed Hangar 1.

The steel-frame structure became National's headquarters and operations center for five years.

On Tuesday, a city board will consider designating Hangar 1 a local historic landmark. The distinction would bring a measure of official historic recognition to Albert Whitted, while requiring a careful process before future changes could be made to the oldest building at the city-owned airport.

The Palladium, the Detroit Hotel and Mansion by the Bay, which have been mentioned as candidates for landmark designation, are not on Tuesday's agenda but could be considered at a future meeting, said Bob Jeffrey, assistant development services director.

Casually viewed, Hangar 1 looks like a big tin shed, impressive only in its size.

But more than appearance goes into determining landmarks, Jeffrey said.

"Historic preservationists think it should be (like) the Snell Arcade because they can look at that and say, 'It's a neat, old building.' The reality is, you try to save things where historic events have taken place," he said.

"The real benefit is, as the airport moves forward and is being redeveloped, it gets to talk about its history and market its history. It brings St. Pete to the forefront of being a cutting pioneer in aviation."

The airport's first chance to brag might come this week. If approved, the designation will come in time for AirFest, an aviation exposition Saturday and Sunday at Albert Whitted, 107 Eighth Ave. SE.

Ted Baker founded National Airlines three years after Hangar 1 was built in 1931. Postal officials had awarded him the St. Petersburg to Daytona Beach mail run, with stops in Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando. National also carried about 400 passengers during its first year, and Baker hired more employees, bought more planes and expanded the service to Jacksonville and Miami. He moved National's headquarters to Jacksonville in 1939.

Hangar 1 is among St. Petersburg's oldest industrial buildings, and it would become the first building of such use to be named a landmark, Jeffrey said.

Crews built additions in 1934 and 1945. The hangar still is used for aviation services.

Wraparound sliding doors define the entrance. Several sets of steel sash windows are present. Both elements are unusual in St. Petersburg, Jeffrey said.

He said "seven or eight" people have sent City Hall letters supporting the designation. .

[Last modified October 15, 2006, 08:51:24]