One of Hill Air Force Base’s most notable buildings, Building 225, an airplane repair hangar on the east side of the base, was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 13-acre building is used for upgrade, maintenance and repair work on multiple aircraft. It is an integral part of the military’s history in Utah, as it signified the Air Force’s shift towards air defense and maintenance following World War II.
“We are very excited to have this building selected,” said Anya Kitterman, Hill 's cultural resource program manager. “It shows that Hill Air Force Base and the Air Force are committed to preserving and protecting their military history while maintaining mission readiness.”
Hangar 225 was built in 1942, and while there were some alterations and additions, the building retains most of the original architectural design. It recently underwent a $40 million renovation project to repair a deteriorating roof and is one of only five barrel-vault style buildings known to still exist in the Air Force. The hangar was designed to be adaptable, ensuring it could accommodate new missions.
The honor of having it as part of the National Register is especially significant because there are only a few Air Force sites officially listed.
“It was a long and arduous process,” Kitterman said. “To finally see it through to fruition and receive positive responses from around the state is very rewarding.”
Hill manages 88 historic buildings that have been determined eligible for the National Register. These date from the oldest building on the base, the Hobson House which was built in 1921 for the Ogden Arsenal and is currently used as temporary lodging for distinguished visitors, to Cold War Era structure. Building 225 is the first building to be officially listed.