The fUTURE OF THE SANTA MONICA Airport
While the Santa Monica Airport is projected to close by the end of 2028, its spaces are being utilized in contemporary ways. Events such as Frieze, an art show and the People's Choice Awards have occupied the hangars of the airport, whilst the tarmac is still active.
The airport has been an ongoing point of controversy, thus resulting in its impending demise. For years, residents surrounding the Santa Monica Airport identified themselves as NIMBYs, standing for Not In My Backyard. This is attributed to the strong animosity against having an operating airport constantly function above their house, primarily due to issues with noise complaints, accidents and pollution.
Due to a vote made in 2017 by the Santa Monica City Council, the airport is projected to close by Dec. 31, 2028. When the runway was shortened from 4,925 feet to 3,500 feet, resulting in the prevention of the majority of jets being able to land, the city was allowed to close the airport. There has been advocation for the airport's closure, dating back to the 1970s.
The city is looking to redevelop the land into an open space, available for the public. This can entail the creation of parks and recreational areas. Real estate development on the land is currently prohibited unless approved by voters.
Graham Slater (’24) a resident near the Santa Monica Airport is looking forward to the prospect of the closure of the airport and hopes that the vast property is put to recreational use.
“In 2028, when the airport closes I hope it’s turned into a Fairground of some sort, maybe housing a museum or concert venue or more space for local businesses,” Slater said. “The amount of large-scale apartment complexes being built in Santa Monica is alarming to me as a local, who has grown up here watching this Large space become open to developers, makes me fear that another massive apartment unit will be put in, further increasing the crowdedness of Santa Monica.”
Despite its impending closure, the airport is still thriving, and currently has a bright future ahead, even after the closing. Constituting about 5 percent of the land of the city of Santa Monica, the future 227-acre site will be managed by architect firm Sasaki Associates.
Currently, the airport is used on the first and 4th Sunday of every month as a renowned vintage market, selling goods varying from jewelry, vintage clothing, paintings, textiles and more.
In the Barker Hanger, the 49th People's Choice Awards was hosted by Simu Liu. There were nominees featured from topics such as film, television, music, and popular culture. This 35,000-foot entertainment venue provides ample space for events and has seen boxing matches, trade shows, and food and wine festivals.
By 2025, there will be the commencement of the “air taxi” at the Santa Monica Airport, a startup focusing on the development of electric aircraft. Trips from Santa Monica to Malibu will be able to transport four passengers, plus a pilot for the price of an Uber. The incentive for bringing this market to Santa Monica is a safe, fast and clean transportation alternative.
In light of the proposition of air taxis, while Slater finds them to be unnecessary for residents, he believes that they can appeal to tourists visiting Santa Monica.
“As far as an air taxi to me, I don’t see any use in that. Although at high traffic hours, Malibu takes up to an hour to get to, I have never had trouble with that drive, and as a surfer, the ability to be in my car and take equipment with me to Malibu is essential to me. However, I could see the benefit of an air taxi for others, especially in regards to tourism.” Slater said.
In 2023, the Frieze art fair started its first year at the Barker Hanger. Its large and empty space was essential for displaying the art without distraction. Developed by the founders of Frieze magazine, the show has expanded over four cities, including London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul. Starting in 2023, the show took to the Barker Hanger, and people flocked to the show and the airport. Starting the weekend of Feb. 29 to Mar. 3, the creators envisioned the site plan of the airport to be a gathering point, called a welcoming sanctuary centered on food, culture and community by Director of Frieze Mark Thomann.
Slater is an enthusiast of the productive uses of the spaces of the airport and is looking forward to seeing future events.
“I’m definitely in favor of the airport being revitalized to incorporate more events. The Frieze art there seems very interesting to me and well put together and living nearby to the airport community events like art shows, flea markets, and even concert and musical events are definitely something that I support.” Slater said.
The Corsair