Step into the past. Right here before you stands the Hughes Administration Building. This isn’t just any office building. It’s a time capsule. A testament to the aviation and technological prowess of Howard Hughes. For 35 years this building was the nerve center of Hughes Aircraft Company.
The Hughes Administration Building opened in 1951. Architect H L Gogerty designed it. The building’s 37059 square feet housed more than offices. It was a place where history unfolded. Howard Hughes and his top executives held court on the second floor. Crucial decisions were made here. Decisions that impacted national defense and technological advancement.
Imagine the scene. Senior military officers and dignitaries arrived. They walked through the elegant lobby. A large oil painting of Howard Hughes hung there. It depicted him next to his H-1 Racer. That’s the plane he used to set the 1935 air speed record. The original lobby desk remains. It’s a striking piece. A Pan-Am route map also hangs in the lobby. It was discovered during the building’s restoration.
The building housed several key departments. Customer Relations the Legal Department and Planning occupied the second floor initially. Purchasing and Industrial Relations were on the ground floor. This building wasn’t just about business. It was a hub for innovation. A breeding ground for ideas that shaped the future.
Today the Hughes Administration Building has been fully rehabilitated. It boasts modern open office space. The original executive offices have been restored. You can even see Howard Hughes’ own office. The parking lot outside bears the names of Hughes Aircraft planes. They are painted like historic runway markings. A fitting tribute to this building’s legacy.
This building is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living piece of history. A reminder of the impact one man and his company had on the world. A reminder of the dreams that took flight right here. A reminder of the ingenuity and ambition that defined an era. The Hughes Administration Building stands tall. It continues to inspire. It is a true icon.