Lighter-Than-Air Historic District Management Plan and Condition Assessment at Joint-Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Burlington and Ocean Counties, New Jersey

A Management Plan (Volume 1) and a Condition Assessment (Vollume II) for the Lighter-Than-Air Historic District conducted on behalf of the United States Air Force at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The management plan aids Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in managing the historic properties under its jurisdiction as required by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The Lighter-Than- Air Historic District is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its for its significance in the U.S.Navy's air transportation history involving the early development and use of both rigid and non-rigid airships. The district is comprised of 70 contributing and 14 non-contributing resources. The period of significance is 1921 to 1962. This study verified the districts boundaries and found that the district remains largely intact. The original buildings, site planning, and landscape retain a high level of integrity. The district's architectural character is strengthened by the absence of intrusive modem construction. Overall, the district buildings are well maintained and remain functional; however, the report identifies concerns about modem building materials and inconsistent maintenance practices. The cunent management practices were reviewed, and this report presents management recommendations for the district's pivotal, contributing, and non-contributing buildings. The condition assessment of the buildings in the district supports the recommendations in the management plan.