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Explore > Great Lakes Naval Station, Building 42, Hostess House > Learn More
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The Hostess House, designed in 1942 by Gordon Bunshaft, is one of the New York architect's earliest works in the United States. The building played a historic role in the training of Naval recruits in World War II and served as a meeting place for tens of thousands of recruits, their families and guests. Once threatened with demolition by the Navy, the Partners in Preservation grant allowed Building 42 to be preserved as an important element of our country's Modern architectural heritage and Naval history.
What is the historical significance of this site?
Designed in 1942 by Pritzker Prize-winning Modernist architect Gordon L. Bunshaft for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the building played an important role in World War II Naval recruit training, while also providing spaces for recruit recreation.
What is the current status of the grant?
The Secretary of the Navy granted the Great Lakes Naval Museum official museum status in 2009. This will allow the larger restoration project to utilize funding from outside sources and will provide technical support and funding for the Great Lake Naval Museum through the US Naval Historical Foundation.
In the summer of 2009, the project architect revised and expanded the construction drawings and specifications for the entry porch project. These plans were reviewed and approved and construction began shortly thereafter. Interior demolition work is in progress to remove partitions and other features that were added to create offices.
Why this site needs your support:
The transformation of Building 42 from its current state to its original form is a massive undertaking. The Great Lakes Naval Museum Association (GLNMA), working with several support partners, has estimated the entire rehabilitation to cost between $15-20 million. However, GLNMA is currently "a long way away from [our] goal" of raising that sum, according to Mr. Carl Ross, GLNMA president. In order to complete the restoration of Building 42 and make the new Great Lakes Naval Museum a reality, GLNMA asks for your support in raising the necessary funds. Visit http://www.greatlakesnavalmuseum.org/donations.htm to find out how you can donate to the Building 42 restoration and reuse project.
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