Challenge - The project involved adaptive reuse of two Albert Kahn designed hangars which survived the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. These hangars are among America’s most historic structures. New construction linked the two hangars providing 370,000 square-feet of space for research labs, the National Data Center, the National Weather Service, and established space for public functions.

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Under John McGuire's leadership the team designed a new facility that prominently featured the buildings’ distinct architecture with clarity and dignity. A subtle new structure was introduced between the two hangars which effectively created a single-campus building and gave the old structures a new character without diminishing the site’s profound history.  In addition to the challenge to maintain the historic appearance of the hangars, John's team also tackled the question of how to design the most effective space for NOAA. John built a relationship between seven line-offices and thirty-eight groups sharing space in the new facility to promote consensus and to incorporate each group's unique concerns into the design of the new facility.

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