CLEVELAND \u2014 When you fly in and out of Cleveland Hopkins, it\u2019s hard to miss the NASA logo plastered on top of the company\u2019s iconic hangar. Now, that hangar is up for grabs \u2014 specifically, available to be leased.<\/p>\n
News 5 has shown you the iconic building, which was previously used for research, ground communication, and NASA missions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis facility has been used to basically allow propulsion to be advanced, and also other areas of aircraft,\u201d said Director of Facilities Test and Center Operations at NASA Glenn Research Center, Bryan K Smith. <\/p>\n
But now, that historic hangar built in 1941 is a prime piece of real estate \u2014 open for leasing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have other enhanced use leases. It’s called opportunities, and we are looking to drive that innovation. We’re looking to drive partnerships innovation,\u201d said Smith.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how it\u2019ll work: The new tenant will sign a National Historic Preservation Act agreement. That means they\u2019ll be allowed to change the interior \u2014 but the exterior and any other historic landmarks must remain unchanged.<\/p>\n
The lease will last either 10 years or two 5-year terms, covering 6.7 acres of land \u2014 including the aircraft hangar, tarmac, parking lot, and a small neighboring office building. <\/p>\n
The cost to rent it is still unclear.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it depends on the offer. We haven’t set a price. We’re not in it that same way of basically for profit, so to speak. We just have to get the best value for the government,\u201d said Smith.<\/p>\n
NASA said it\u2019s specifically targeting aerospace-related tenants.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, being aerospace development, we feel that the proximity to NASA offers some synergies. So the tenant we’re looking for is obviously someone who can take advantage of this space… someone who’s interested in the aerospace industry,\u201d said Smith.<\/p>\n
NASA emphasized that this lease plan has been in the works for a while and is not tied to any budget cuts. They also say they\u2019ll be putting several more properties on the market \u2014 including in Sandusky.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is enhancing our work. I hope people realize that this is actually this is a good thing. This is bringing more people in to share with the assets that we have,\u201d said Smith.<\/p>\n
NASA has already received a few inquiries. They\u2019re accepting proposals until the end of November, and sometime in the next year, they could announce who their new partner will be.<\/p>\n