1942 • Hangar 11

Already well known as a jumping off point for the north, Blatchford Field underwent a significant change during WWII, which included the construction of Hangar 11 by the USAF east of the airport.

#EdmontonWhenAndWhere
• Hangar 11 (centre) looking S/E

Built in 1942, Hangar 11 (aka T3) is one of only two remaining Second World War-era hangars. Construction of the hangar began that summer.

• Hangar 11 (centre) looking N/W. The army barracks (lower-right) are now occupied by the @NAIT Campus

View looking north toward the former U.S. Army Air Force hangars. Hangar 11 (with the no. 3) is second from the front. "Northwest Industries" (aircraft repair) would also occupy Hangar 11 during the WWII effort.

• 1958 (RP303.1)

Leigh Brintnell, one of Edmonton’s pioneer aviators had established Aircraft Repair Ltd. (later Northwest Industries). By 1945 the company had repaired or rebuilt more than 1,500 aircraft at Blatchford Field.

• Northwest Industries PA922/2 (1953)

As the last remaining WWII structure on the Blatchford site, its significance can continue to play a major role in the future of Blatchford’s development.

On Feb.1, 2021 Exec. Committee will explore possible new uses for Hangar 11, just as LA did with their historic air hangar.

Built by Howard Hughes in 1943, a year after Hangar 11 was completed, “Spruce Goose Hangar” was recently restored and is now home to L.A.'s @Google office.

Likewise Hangar 11's storied aviation history and legacy can live on through its adaptive reuse.
#yeghistory #yegheritage