Grand Central Airport (California)

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Grand Central Airport was an airport located in Glendale, California, United States. It was one of the first airports in the Los Angeles area and played a significant role in the early development of aviation in Southern California.

History

Grand Central Airport was originally established in 1923 as Glendale Municipal Airport. It was later renamed Grand Central Air Terminal. The airport was designed by architect Henry L. Gogerty and featured a terminal building that became an iconic example of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Grand Central Airport was a hub for commercial aviation. It was the western terminus for Transcontinental Air Transport, which later became part of TWA. The airport also served as a base for several pioneering aviators, including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughes.

World War II

During World War II, Grand Central Airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and used as a military training base. The airport played a crucial role in training pilots and supporting the war effort.

Post-War Era and Closure

After the war, the airport returned to civilian use but faced increasing competition from other airports in the region, such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Burbank Airport. By the 1950s, commercial operations at Grand Central Airport had significantly declined.

In 1959, the airport was closed, and the property was sold for development. The site was eventually transformed into the Grand Central Business Centre, a commercial and industrial complex. The original terminal building still stands and has been preserved as a historic landmark.

Legacy

Grand Central Airport is remembered for its contributions to the early days of aviation and its role in the development of the aerospace industry in Southern California. The airport's history is commemorated by a plaque and a small museum located in the preserved terminal building.

See Also

• List of defunct airports in the United States
• History of aviation
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Burbank Airport