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Demolition of historic "White House" underway

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Contractors began demolition of Fairchild's historic headquarters building, known as the "White House," here Oct. 27.

Demolition is scheduled to be completed by the end of this week.

The White House was originally completed in 1943 during World War II and served as the Spokane Army Air Depot headquarters building. It cost a total of $157,338, equaling more than $2 million in today's standards with respect to the cumulative rate of inflation.

Since completion, the White House has served 10 units ranging from major commands, bomb wings and air refueling wings, as well as tenant and subordinate units. From 1942 to 1946, the base served as a repair depot for damaged aircraft returning from the Pacific theater and has been involved in virtually every major contingency operation around the world.

The replacement 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wing headquarters building opened in March and is a more modern and energy efficient building.

The land the building is on now is expected to become a green area.