Will it be refurbished to the original look and will it remain "Brand Free", meaning not having any company name on it?

'"I'm just delighted that we're not taking this down," said Cupertino resident Tom Trankle. "For me, this would be like tearing down the Golden Gate Bridge."'

The Golden Gate has a practical and artistic purpose. Hanger One, on the other hand, is a strict nostalgia play. And I'm curious to know how preservationists will feel once Google imprints its logo on the side. For $175 million, I'd certainly expect to be able to advertise on it.

@DoctorData Not sure why you float that as an issue. Google has never made any intention of painting a giant logo on it, and I assume they know that would meet major resistance. They HAVE proposed being able to USE it in return for restoring it.

I would love to see Hangar One reskinned. However, it strikes me that the "era of the airship" if there is such a thing, was probably shorter than the "era of trying to restore Hangar One." Hangar One open in 1933. The USS Macon crashed in 1935. The Hindenburg crashed in 1937. Since then, there really has not been much need for zeppelin hangars. I remember reading about the toxic materials in Hangar One, then watching them remove the original exterior. It's been a bare frame for years and now it'll be 5 years to restore it? What?

@Ron MV, Define "USE" as you have it above. Perhaps Google defines USE differently?

I'm very pleased Google is helping, that's without a doubt, but I simply cannot trust they will do the right thing just to do the right thing. Therefore I would not be surprised if the new siding had some sort of Google look/feel.
I'm hoping it's restored to its original look, but I have not seen that spelled out specifically. So far the language has been vague which leaves the door open for people to float ideas about possible branding.

Another thing I'm waiting for is for Google to re-visit rebuilding the bridge over Stevens creek for their buses.
I still don' think that issue is dead. Not with the way their new building out there is looking.

I have looked at this structure all my life and think of it as alight in the bay landscape. It was interesting in the beginning when the zeppelins were around. But now the Goodyear blimp doesn't need it. Why keep it? Just think of all the better uses that could be put there. Housing? Parks? Food production? open space for all. This was a military site and is obsolete. Get rid of it.

2 Big Questions and jean Ess,

Google is not "helping" in saving Hanger One, Google is "saving" Hanger One.
1) Saving this historic structure will cost a boatload of money, which Google is paying.
2) If Google didn't pay for this, in all likelihood Hanger One would be demolished

So personally, as a fan of Hanger One who lives very close by, I am thrilled that Google wants to do this, and continue to make use of this historic structure, and would care one whit if they put their name on it.

I don't know why people are saying that Hangar 1 is obsolete because it's no longer needed for airships. An indoor space that big has many potentially valuable uses for Google and other research companies and institutions.

No, if Google is going to get a "Do what ever you want to it" pass for paying for all the retrofits, that's not Saving, that's INVESTING in business capitol for their own use.
We should have just sold it to them, maybe we did in a way.

We'll soon find out if they were being community minded, or community manipulating.
Glad it's still here, but I respect the old girl more than others. Sad.

OK, maybe a small Google near the base.

I just hope Google paints the entire a hanger a delicious pink color - neon pink - brilliant as the day is long in the summertime. So bright it hurts to look at it.

Something you can clearly see from the moon - not just from orbit.

Will Google let all their employees currently living in RVs park them in Hangar One? If so, I'm all for it.

@James Thurber, you forgot to add "...just to stick it to some people who bug me...MMMEH!" LOL
Anyway, bright colors never stand the test of time. They fade out too quickly.

An LED light display however...OooooWEEEE!
I'd be way into that, like on the Bay Bridge only with colors.