The Hornet -- a restored, World War II aircraft carrier moored at Alameda Point -- was awarded the "Preservation Design Award" from the statewide preservation society.

The museum was recognized for its dramatic trans-formation from a retired military ship, scheduled for demolition, to a popular sea, air and space museum, and the only aircraft carrier museum on the West Coast, according to a museum spokesperson.

"The ship is a rare and significant reminder of our World War II military history," said Jenelle Spatz, an Alameda Architectural Preservation Society board member. The local preservation society sponsored the USS Hornet's award application.

"We feel that the museum has done an excellent job of preserving the flavor of the ship as an active aircraft carrier while making it accessible for the public to enjoy," Spatz said in a prepared statement.

Open six years, the USS Hornet Museum also has been named "Best Place to Dance and Hear Swing Music." And one of the "Bay Area's Top Tourist Attractions" by the San Francisco Business Times.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
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