Building 32

From the shores of Lake Washington, Building 32 stands as a silent giant. It whispers tales of a time when the roar of aircraft engines echoed across the water. Building 32 began its life in 1939, not as a home for scientific exploration, but as a hangar for the US Navy’s landplanes. Imagine the colossal PBY Catalina amphibious aircraft, wings spanning over 100 feet, sheltered within these very walls. Building 32 witnessed the hurried preparations of wartime, a vital cog in the nation’s defense. The hangar bustled with mechanics, their hands calloused from wrenching on engines, and pilots, their eyes fixed on the horizon. The air thrummed with anticipation, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. After the war, the building transitioned to a new role, becoming a research and storage facility for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The roar of engines was replaced by the quiet hum of scientific instruments. The building, once dedicated to national defense, now serves a different kind of mission: understanding and protecting our planet. Today, Building 32 at 7600 Sand Point Way Northeast in Seattle houses NOAA’s research and treasures. Within its walls, you’ll find not only cutting-edge scientific equipment but also remnants of its past. Though the planes are long gone, the spirit of innovation and service continues to resonate within Building 32, a testament to its enduring legacy.