![Port of Tillamook Bay Board of Commissioners in Oregon has voted against repairing historic Hangar B, citing financial challenges. [Credit: Visit Tillamook Coast Facebook]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/492477360_991861839787863_620060047910111613_n.jpg)
Citing financial challenges, the Port of Tillamook Bay Board of Commissioners has voted not to proceed with repairs to the storm-damaged roof of historic Hangar B, home of the Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon.
On December 16, a powerful windstorm tore back a section of Hangar B’s roof at the crown.
“With a heavy heart, the Port of Tillamook Bay board, following extensive discussion, financial analysis, and consultation with industry experts since December, voted 4-1 to not proceed with repairs to the storm-damaged roof section of Hangar B following the December storm,” the board said in a statement released Thursday. “The decision was reached after months of evaluation regarding the long-term financial sustainability of the historic structure and the significant local financial obligations tied to any potential repair effort.”
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- READ MORE: Tillamook Air Museum Damaged By Wind
The roof damage is on the south end of the building—a hole 200 feet by 30 feet near the transition point between the convex roof and the vertical wall. In addition to patching that hole, care must be taken to preserve the historic integrity of the wooden structure, which stands 192 feet high and 296 feet wide and spans 1,072 feet long.
The Port of Tillamook Bay board emphasized that immediate safety concerns are being addressed. It said the hanging portion of the damaged roof structure, identified as the primary public safety issue, will be removed in the near future. In addition, the board will continue pursuing opportunities and partnerships related to asbestos abatement assistance and future site stabilization efforts.
The Tillamook Air Museum has been closed since the hangar was damaged and will remain so. Exhibits and artifacts were removed earlier this year to be stored in other locations.
Board commissioners acknowledged that the decision not to repair the behemoth airship hangar was extremely difficult given the community’s deep connection to the iconic World War II-era structure. However, financial realities ultimately guided its action.
Commissioner Bill Baertlein noted the board’s role is to oversee financial decisions for the port, and it wasn’t willing to put the rest of the operation in financial distress with debt for a structure with a dismal financial future.
“Everyone loves Hangar B and recognizes its historical significance,” Baertlein said. “But even if the building were rebuilt, the long-term financial outlook remains unsustainable. Estimated annual maintenance costs alone are three times greater than the revenue the building had been generating.”
The Details
The statement said that while Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance may become available, the port would still be responsible for a required 25 percent local match, which has been estimated to be at least $1.3 million.
The port would have to secure additional financing through a loan for this portion of the roof repair only, and that does not include the whole building.
Also factoring into the decision are the ongoing risks associated with the 1940s-era hangar facility, future storm damage, and the uncertainty surrounding long-term maintenance obligations for the aging structure.
Throughout the evaluation process, the board said it collaborated closely with consultants experienced in similar historic military hangar facilities, including recent work involving Navy hangars in California. The port expressed appreciation to project management firm Turner & Townsend, as well as others, for assisting with cost analysis, condition assessments, and financial projections.
The Port of Tillamook also extended sincere appreciation to the Friends of Tillamook Air Museum for its persistence, advocacy, and assistance in gathering information and data throughout the process.
“This was not an easy decision for anyone involved,” the board statement said. “We are grateful to the many community members, partners, and supporters who care deeply about Hangar B and its future.”
