New Hope for the Kingsbridge Armory: Exciting Future Ahead
The Kingsbridge Armory, the largest of its kind in the country and a pre-World War II structure, has long been a symbol of untapped potential. After being mostly inactive for nearly three decades, Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a $1 billion citywide redevelopment initiative, bringing hope for its future. As part of a project involving labor agreements with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, the 600,000-square-foot site may finally be restored. This NYC treasure, located at the crossroads of Jerome Avenue, DJ Scott La Rock Boulevard, and West Kingsbridge Road, holds immense historical and economic significance.
In 2022, the Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan emerged as a collaborative effort to transform the armory for community purposes. Headed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and supported by neighborhood leaders, organizations, schools, business owners, and elected officials, this initiative fosters engagement. Public workshops, organized by groups like the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), Community Board 7, and the Kingsbridge Heights Community, brought together over 4,000 people to share feedback on the armory’s future. Co-chaired by Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, representing Kingsbridge, Fordham, University Heights, and Mount Hope, and Sandra Lobo, the executive director of the NWBCCC, the plan emphasizes restoring the five-acre arsenal into a community hub.
The armory’s Jerome Avenue location, marked by a mix of local pride and architectural grandeur, is deeply rooted in the lives of Bronx residents. Once a bustling site before closing in 1996, the armory has a chance to be resurrected as a dynamic space. Community voices echo in the vision to utilize this historic structure, blending the aspirations of leaders, such as Pierina Sanchez, with the hopes of residents who see it as a cornerstone of renewal. Through this local plan, stakeholders aim to provide not just a restored landmark but a thriving center for the Bronx.
A Vision for the Kingsbridge Armory
Lobo believes the Kingsbridge Armory can become a once-in-a-generation economic engine for the Bronx, blending local entrepreneurship with community ownership. The plan focuses on creating jobs while complementing the area and its residents by providing space for Bronxites of all ages. A blueprint for a clear pathway to the armory’s transformation includes sustaining good jobs, a fundamental principle of the city’s vision to redevelop the historic site. From day one of construction, this effort aims to fulfill its role as a hub for growth and opportunity in the Bronx.
For Lobo, this mission is personal. Her connection to the armory began when she attended rallies and forums with her mother and father during the early-mid 2000s, often with her daughter, then a toddler and now 20 years old. She sees this effort as a continuation of a family legacy and a community dream, uniting past struggles with present possibilities.
Revitalizing the Kingsbridge Armory
For 30 years, the NWBCCC has been fighting for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory, and now, there is a new wave of hope. Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, a daughter of Kingsbridge, has been involved as a co-chair of the vision plan, leading efforts to restore the historic structure that has been dormant for decades. Raised in the shadows of the armory, she sees it as a physical manifestation of the community’s potential and aspirations. Over a nine-month period, more than 4,000 members from the community, including 900 survey responses, shared their feedback through 20 events, shaping the direction for the future of the armory.
The Kingsbridge Armory Vision Plan aims for economic transformation by prioritizing good-paying, union jobs at every stage of development. The plan is designed to protect neighbors and small businesses from displacement, while making sure the space remains accessible to all. With vital investments and a focus on the Bronx, this initiative will give new life to the armory, creating an environment where the community can thrive for generations to come.
Reviving the Kingsbridge Armory
The restoration of the Kingsbridge Armory has gained traction in recent years with the support of various elected officials. Key figures like Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Congress member Adriano Espaillat, and state senators Gustavo Rivera and Robert Jackson have backed the effort. In addition, state assembly members Jose Rivera and George Alvarez have voiced their support for the project. The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, Community Board 7, and other community stakeholders are working together to shape the future of the armory. Their collective efforts are reflected in the vision plan, which has gained momentum over the years.
The Kingsbridge Armory, originally known as the Eighth Regiment Armory, was constructed in 1917 to house the New York National Guard’s Eighth Coast Defense Command. After over five years of construction, the armory became a landmark. Today, the armory remains a powerful symbol of the community’s resilience and its desire for change. With strong backing from local organizations like the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, Kingsbridge Road Merchants Association, and Lehman College, the vision to revitalize the armory is becoming a reality. The potential of this site is immense, offering new opportunities for the Bronx and the people it serves.
The Future of the Kingsbridge Armory
The Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx has had a long history, starting as a popular tourist destination in the 1950s when it hosted car races, rodeos, and other events. In 1974, it was designated as a New York City Landmark, and in 1982, it was added to the New York State and National Register of Historical Places. However, in the 1990s, the armory’s future became uncertain. Military use was discontinued in 1991, and by 1996, the property was transferred to city management, which led to it being closed to the public. Despite these challenges, many people still see the armory’s future as full of potential.
The armory even served as a homeless shelter in the 1980s, but since its closure, it has remained mostly inactive. Now, as part of the ongoing effort to restore this historic building, there are new plans to repurpose the site for community use. With support from organizations like the New York City Economic Development Center and various local community stakeholders, the armory could soon have a new chapter in its long and storied history.
New Vision for Kingsbridge Armory
In 2013, a proposed plan aimed to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, the world’s largest indoor skating rink. However, the project faced challenges and was abandoned by 2021 due to unmet financial obligations. Originally, it was supposed to support minor league and non-professional hockey teams, along with facilities for figure skaters and speed skaters, creating 400 new jobs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the armory temporarily served as an emergency food distribution center, helping the community in difficult times.
In August 2023, the Together For Kingsbridge Vision Plan gained momentum with a new approach to revitalizing the armory. NYC Mayor Eric Adams and State Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $200 million grant to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory. This new effort promises to bring significant change to the area, ensuring long-term benefits for local residents and Bronx
