Can anyone help with an airport preservation problem?

Question

My local airport still has original facilities dating back to 1929. The buildings were a site of an aviation museum for several years, but the buildings are in disrepair and the museum has closed. The fate of these buldings is very threatened. Aiports change constantly over the years and very few buildings are left from the era. I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in helping find support for such a project. This is an awesome opportunity to hang on to an almost century old piece of history. Can you offer any ideas or organizations that might assist?

Answer 1

Very admirable quest.  Unfortunately it needs some information of the area.  An historical airport in it's self will not draw much revenue.  If it's located near a metropolitan area perhaps you could piggy back conference draw.

You need to find either private users or commercial investors to provide funds required.  Preservation of buildings would be near impossible unless you can find alternate usage but again that depends on the locale.

Answer 2

It is sad to see such heritage sites go to the ground. You can drum up support locally by appealing to your community to come forward and save the airport and its buildings. You can seek help from the philantrophists. Set up a small 'save the airport' committee and drum up support and create awareness in the people. What is really needed is a mass public support from like-minded people who feel pained at such losses. Perhaps, if enough public support is mustered, the the Provincial Government/Local Bodies would pitch in and help you in your efforts.

I sincerely wish you all the very best of luck.

Answer 3

In some cities, you can lobby to have a building (or town) changed to landmark status.  If changed then the owners CANNOT change the looks of the building without permission (if ever).

So I would look into getting that done.

Good Luck...

Answer 4

I like the idea mentioned. If your state or community has the ability to bestow "historical site" status to a building or area, it then cannot be touched except to maintain or upgrade it and it may qualify then for funds available for such things.

Also, I would recommend contacting AOPA. They have helped preserve airports and historical aviation sites that have been threatened by greedy developers.