Hughes Aircraft Company, Garage & Maintenance Building, 6775 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA

Significance: One of the earliest structures of the Hughes complex, Building 11, is a single story, high bay structure, roughly rectangular in plan, with a very slightly pitched gabled roof. Of traditional wood frame construction and clad in smooth stucco, the utilitarian design lacks any decorative embellishment. ... Built between 1941 and 1943, Building 11 was designed by architect H.L. Gogerty and was one of the eight structures which formed the nucleus of the early plant. Originally known as Building L, or the Paint Shop, it also housed the Plating and Anodizing Department. The structure was first located at the west end of Building 5 and was moved to its present location behind the cafeteria in November 1949 prior to construction of the second addition to Building 5. The Donald R. Warren Company, a local engineering firm, drew the plans for the structure's relocation. Following the move, Building 11 functioned as the plant garage and contained areas for vehicle repair and washing, a welding area and carpentry shop, and tool and parts storage. The Maintenance Department also occupied space in the building. Howard Hughes reportedly maintained a private apartment in the penthouse of Building 11. A rooftop walkway allowed the secretive millionaire to pass between the penthouse and the executive dining room of the adjoining cafeteria unseen by the rest of the plant.
Survey number: HAER CA-174-G
Building/structure dates: 1943 Initial Construction