Built for the U.S. Navy in 1941, Hanger 102 was originally one of three identical hangars at Opa-Locka Airport. Of the three original hangars, one has been lost and the other was redeveloped by the U.S. Coast Guard without regard for preservation. The recently restored building, which received a Citation of Merit from Docomomo US in 2015, is currently used for private aviation, retaining its historic function while quietly accommodating necessary modern technical improvements. As an industrial long span metal building, this is an early example of the use of deep steel trusses to accomplish large open spans within a hanger, and of the use of light curtain walls attached to a steel framework. The large steel and glass doors, the use of pockets to protect them in the open position, and the incorporation of office space in the wings flanking the main hangar space (with glazing on two sides, allowing light into the hangar body) were innovations of the new highly industrialized age in which the hangar was constructed. One of only a handful of long span structures built in South Florida, the pure design and elegant simplicity are still striking and modern. (Adapted from Honest Buildings)