Representatives of the Mid-America Air Museum Foundation told the Liberal City Commission on July 22 they want the city's involvement in a professional assessment and possible refurbishment of the B-24 hangar on airport property.

Foundation members said the hangar is an important part of Liberal's World War II-era airport history and that a restored or refitted hangar could improve the site's appearance for visitors, including tens of thousands expected for area air events.

John T. Smith, speaking for the foundation, said museum leaders and other community groups began looking at the hangar after noticing it as a highly visible structure near the air museum. "The air museum is one of the... number 1 attraction to most people," Smith said, adding that the hangar is "one of the biggest eyesores in town" and represents a significant element of local history tied to the wartime airbase.

What was proposed: Smith and staff described work underway with an architectural firm to prepare a preliminary proposal, including a condition assessment, reuse options, phasing and costing. The foundation asked the commission to endorse a process that would include city leadership, foundation fundraising and creation of a focused committee to work on next steps. Smith said the foundation and related advisory boards have indicated support for assessing refurbishment options and that the museum advisory board and the airport advisory board also have been approached.

Why it matters: The hangar sits on city-owned property at the airport. Smith emphasized: "It is the city's building on the city's property. So nothing really can be done without the city's involvement and leadership." The foundation sought the commission's initial willingness to receive a formal assessment and to consider options once the architect's preliminary report is ready.

Discussion and next steps: Commissioners said the hangar assessment would be an appropriate item for an upcoming capital projects meeting. Scarlette (staff) confirmed the foundation has not raised targeted funds for a specific scope because the project remains undefined, but the foundation indicated it is willing to participate financially in a funded process. No vote or binding agreement was taken; the commission agreed to add the hangar to upcoming capital projects discussions and to receive the architectural assessment once it is complete.

Ending: Foundation representatives said they will return with the architect's assessment and potential phased proposals; commission staff said they will fit the item into capital-project planning.