Listen Live
Donate
 on air
Schedule

KCRW

Read & Explore

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Events

Listen

  • Live Radio
  • Music
  • Podcasts
  • Full Schedule

Information

  • About
  • Careers
  • Help / FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

Support

  • Become a Member
  • Become a VIP
  • Ways to Give
  • Shop
  • Member Perks

Become a Member

Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

DonateGive Monthly

Copyright 2025 KCRW. All rights reserved.

Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
Cookie Policy
|FCC Public Files

Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Recollections of Hughes Aircraft, Innovative American Company

Founded in 1932 by Howard Hughes — pilot, entrepreneur, movie mogul and ladies' man, the Hughes Aircraft Company became America's number one defense contractor. Now it's gone, but its campus is being redeveloped as part of the Playa Vista development.

  • rss
  • Share
By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Founded in 1932 by Howard Hughes — pilot, entrepreneur, movie mogul and ladies' man, the Hughes Aircraft Company became America's number one defense contractor. Now it's gone, but its campus is being redeveloped as part of the Playa Vista development. Recently, the new owner, Wayne Ratkovich invited veterans of the best days to party in the world's largest wooden building, where the Spruce Goose was made. WWLA producer Frances Anderton talked with former company president Ken Richardson, who said things really got going after Hughes was forced out by the Pentagon, which said the company was too important not to be run well.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Ken Richardson

    Hughes Aircraft

    News
Back to Which Way, L.A.?