Hanger One was the largest unsupported structure in the US when it was completed. the Macon was lost over the Pacific later in 1935. hanger one was built to house this lighter than air ship. Hanger One Interior, Moffett Field, Sunnyvale 1935 Hanger One, built originally to house the airship Macon, was the 2nd largest unsupported structure in the U. S., although ironically the Macon crashed later that year. The second largest unsupported structure in the United States when it was completed, it is still considered one of the largest. The acquisition of the land that was to become Moffett Field was a classic example of neighboring communities banding together for the common good. Spearheading the effort was Mrs. Laura Whipple of Niles. With the help of the community, 1000 acres was purchased for $476,679 and sold to the Navy for $1. On 3 August 1930, the Navy secured the deed and the initial process of converting this acreage to an installation of lasting importance began. On 7 August 1931, the Navy invited bids for the construction of a hangar to house the dirigible Macon. Military and civilian engineers were selected by the Navy. Lt. Earl L. Marshall, (CEC), USN was appointed by the Bureau of Yards and Docks to supervise the project. He was assisted by Mr. Ernest L. Wolf as Associate Civil Engineer. Actual construction began on 5 October 1931 with the driving of the first stake. The total expenditure for NAS Sunnyvale, as it was then called, was $4,993,550. The new west coast lighter-than-air facility was commissioned on 12 April 1933 when it was only 80% completed.
Following the crash of the Macon on 12 February 1935 in the Pacific Ocean, the Navy had no use for the facility; but the U.S. Army did. An interesting swap was made, and Naval Air Station Sunnyvale was transferred to the