Community Hot Rod Project gets one step closer to saving historic hangars in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - For years, the community hotrod project founder Kevin Haeberle has focused on the renovation of these historic hangars to “take flight” in Santa Barbara.
“We would like to restore two historical buildings that are part of Goleta and Santa Barbara‘s history … and transform it into a community center," said Haeberle.
The community center could be used for vocational training, and a history museum highlighting the automotive and aviation history of the area.
Seth's Auto Shop in Santa Barbara resembles part of Haeberle’s vision for the historic hangars.
“This is what we’re trying to duplicate … this type of set up and you can see where all this work can be done … and it can be learned by those kids that are gonna be coming through the schools," said president Dana Newquist of Antique Automobile Club of America.
Haeberle says the next step is to prepare a proposal for the Santa Barbara Airport Commission.
“It is landmark for the area that is just been abandoned by the community and it’s time for us to fix it," said Haeberle.
The Community Hotrod Project has started a petition with about 1,000 signatures supporting the historic hangars proposal.
"And a new place for the Santa Barbara community to come together and have events," said historiam Tom Modugno.
The Community Hot Rod Project is a non-profit organization that teaches the youth and young at heart how to build, restore, and fabricate classic cars and off-road vehicles.
Haeberle hopes to renovate and reuse the General Western Aero Hangars in the same Santa Barbara Airport location where they were built in 1931.
Amelia Earhart was once photographed on a plane in front of them and WWII troops used the hangars as barracks.
The airport will have to get local public funding since the hangars do not qualify for Federal Aviation Administration grants.
Santa Barbara Airport Project Planner Jessica Metzger said the public will be invited for input right away.
For more information, or if you would like to help support the Community Hotrod Project, visit: https://www.thecommunityhotrodproject.com/.
