A World War II hangar and two Quonset huts are one step closer to relocating and getting a makeover in Goleta.

The Goleta Planning Commission approved the preliminary design for the relocation and reuse of a squadron airplane hangar and two Quonset huts on Monday.

The project consists of relocating a 9,042-square-foot World War II squadron airplane hangar, Hangar 5, and two Quonset huts to 135 Castilian Drive. The hangar used to sit at the Santa Barbara Airport, and the two Quonset huts used to be at Tri-County Produce.

Currently on the site, off Los Carneros Road, sits a 21,928-square-foot office building. 

The Goleta Design Review Board granted the project preliminary approval in November, which then moved it to the Planning Commission for review.

Now, the site is one step closer to transforming into a research and development facility. The proposed design splits the hangar down the middle to accommodate two tenants. 

The Planning Commission also approved minor landscape and setback adjustments. 

“That is going to be a very cool building that was heading to landfill,” said Design Review Board Chair Scott Branch.

Branch said the project has kept all the pertinent components to the original building, preserving the hangar doors. 

The commissioners agreed with him, many excited about the project’s potential to raise the city of Goleta’s profile. 

“We have become a great research and development city,” Commissioner Anne Miller said.

But, Commissioner Rita Serotkin raised the question of whether the city even needs more research and development facilities. 

Property owner Marc Winnikoff assured her there is demand.

The project will go back to the Design Review Board for final design detail feedback at a later meeting.