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Historical-hangar preservation raised as city, developer discuss Medford Field redevelopment
Summary
The Tulare Historical Museum urged the council to preserve the World War II–era Medford Field hangar as the city and a private partner advance a 26‑acre truck-charging development; city staff said $750,000 was earmarked for environmental and structural assessment and stressed preference for adaptive reuse if feasible.
During public comment Jan. 21, Patty Rocha, curator and director of the Tulare Historical Museum, asked the council to preserve the 1940 Medford Field hangar, arguing the structure symbolizes Tulare's role in WWII aviation. "Medford Field helps to symbolize Tulare's heritage in the aviation and its role in supporting the army's aviators during World War II," Rocha told the council.
The comment followed a city press release announcing a proposed partnership with a private truck‑charging operator to develop 26 acres of non‑aviation land at Medford Field. The press release noted a $750,000 allocation for demolition and remediation if needed. Rocha said the museum would be willing to assist with adaptive reuse planning if the hangar is retained.
City Manager Mondell responded to the museum and the council, saying the private partner "has every intention and desire to save the hangar." He outlined how the earmarked $750,000 would be used: environmental assessment for lead or soil contamination, a structural analysis of the glulam truss superstructure, and possible remediation or adaptive-reuse design work. "Sometimes the better approach is trying to do an adaptive reuse of the structure where you honor and try to preserve the original structure ... but provide a new use that can prolong its life," he said.
Mondell added that if assessments show remediation or reconstruction costs would approach or exceed “millions” and a private partner cannot justify the investment, demolition remains a possible council decision that would be returned to the council for a vote. Council members and city staff said they would keep the museum and the public informed as assessments proceed.
