Plans to revitalize the historic Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx are advancing as the Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved the design for an ambitious project.
Dubbed El Centro Kingsbridge, the transformation will create a community and cultural hub, incorporating a variety of new functionalities including an event venue, a recreation center, sports fields, and 500 affordable apartments nearby.
This significant development initiative is led by the city’s Economic Development Corporation and aims to restore and expand the massive armory structure itself, enhancing the existing masonry and facade alongside the addition of a new public plaza, landscaping, and signage.
Constructed in 1917 by architect Lewis Pilcher, the Kingsbridge Armory is noteworthy for its sheer size, boasting over 570,000 square feet of usable space, making it one of the largest armories in the world.
The U.S. military utilized the facility until 1994; thereafter, the city assumed ownership in 1996. Designated as a historic landmark in 1974, the armory was also listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1982.
Notably, previous redevelopment efforts, including a plan for the world’s largest ice-skating rink, failed in 2016 due to financing issues, as reported by BronxTimes.
Fresh initiatives culminated in September 2024, when Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new request for proposals to reinvigorate the underutilized space, focusing on fostering economic opportunities within the Bronx.
In January, the city selected a new developer, 8th Regiment Partners LLC, a collaboration between real estate firm Maddd Equities and Joy Construction, to spearhead the transformation of the armory.
A trio of architectural firms—Scape, Aufgang, and FXCollaborative—have been engaged to design the expansive project.
As part of the ongoing development, the project entered the uniform land use review procedure (ULURP) in May and has garnered backing from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Bronx Community Board 7.
In a notable move, 8th Regiment Partners LLC recently secured a partnership with the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition, allowing the nonprofit group to own 20 percent of the development.
The architects envision adapting the existing armory for a multitude of purposes, creating spaces for events, entertainment, cultural exhibitions, community facilities, commercial offices, light manufacturing incubators, along with dedicated areas for parking and loading.
To achieve this, the design plans include adding a new floor above the current drill hall level. The uppermost floor would house an events venue and community space, while the majority of the functional areas would be situated on the level below.
Parking and light manufacturing facilities would occupy the lowest level of the armory.
The top level is designed to include a wraparound balcony, carefully constructed to ensure it does not exceed the height of the building’s distinctive glass archways.
Moreover, what was once the armory’s main drill hall will be rejuvenated into a lively public concourse filled with food vendors and a variety of cultural and entertainment offerings, seamlessly accessible from all four building corners.
To optimize foot traffic, the new entryways will be designed without compromising the historical facade; opening heights have been carefully measured to preserve architectural features, including turrets and windows.
The southern elevation of the armory will see both restoration of historical elements and the addition of new components.
Modern glass and metal entry doors will be introduced alongside the restoration of the historic gates and copper front doors, which will be reinstated in their original locations.
Historic components such as the cupola and conical roof are scheduled for restoration, while newly designed roofing elements, metal and glass openings, as well as skylights, will be incorporated into the design.
All current windows are set to be replaced with insulated aluminum variants to increase energy efficiency.
The design further specifies two new entry points at the concourse level along the western side of the building, complemented by a larger central opening for event loading access.
This section will benefit from the removal of the existing non-historic corrugated plastic, replaced instead by a double-skin glass curtain wall, improving acoustic separation.
Similarly, the eastern elevation facing Jerome Avenue will undergo enhancements, removing the non-historic materials and replacing clusters of existing windows with contemporary floor-to-ceiling glass storefronts, invigorating a currently inactive streetscape.
The architectural firm Aufgang is responsible for the design of the residential component, a 16-story building that will be constructed north of the armory.
A key focus of the design is to maintain sightlines to the historic structure while providing easy access through a central entrance directly from 195th Street, eliminating the need for a longer detour around the building.
Given the planned community-focused programming and the proximity to nearby schools, prioritizing this convenient entrance on the northern side was a strategic decision made by the designers.
According to a presentation given to Bronx Community Board 7, the development team aims to deliver 500 affordable rental units, specifically targeting area median income levels of 30, 50, 70, and 80 percent.
To enhance the residential portion’s integration into the surrounding environment, the building’s massing and street wall will be intentionally diversified, preventing it from overshadowing the armory’s grand presence.
This central entrance is also designed to resonate with the architectural character and detail of the historic armory.
The residential development is phased and will proceed in a second phase following the completion of the armory revitalization.
The proposed landscape plan features the creation of a new Kingsbridge Plaza, responding to the local deficiency of outdoor community spaces.
A market canopy will be erected at the plaza’s southwest corner, providing shaded accommodations for pop-up markets and vendors for community events.
The area will be further enriched with fixed and movable seating arrangements, tables, and stormwater gardens designed for both increased accessibility and environmental sustainability.
On the west side of the armory, the Kingsbridge Allee will include movable tables and chairs, enhancing circulation and seating options in the area.
An urban grove will be developed to protect up to 20 existing mature trees with surrounding planters, fostering a shaded and inviting environment for community interaction.
During the recent Landmarks meeting, commissioners expressed their enthusiastic support for the redevelopment, acknowledging the challenges presented by the project’s scale and its historic components.
LPC Chair Sarah Carroll remarked, “I think it has been a long journey. While the last scheme that we wholeheartedly supported didn’t move along, I’m really excited to that the plan we’re seeing today is really meeting the moment and addressing pressing community and city needs.”
Andrea Goldman, a spokesperson for the New York Landmarks Conservancy, echoed this sentiment, reinforcing support for the project while emphasizing its architectural significance, particularly its grand size and distinctive brick facade coupled with historical embellishments such as crenellations, towers, and turrets.
However, the conservancy suggested several measures to enhance the project’s connection to the armory’s rich history, including adopting a more cohesive design for entrances and storefronts at ground level.
They also encouraged integrating intact historic grilles and gates at alternate locations on the site where reinstatement is not feasible.
While the conservancy does not oppose the demolition of ancillary structures, Goldman noted some regret over the decision, especially given a $10 million renovation of the building was completed just a few years prior.
With an estimated total project cost around $500 million, significant funding has already been secured, including over $200 million promised by Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul, an additional $2 million allocated by Borough President Vanessa Gibson, $12 million from Council Member Pierina Sanchez, and a $1.05 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Economically, the project is anticipated to generate around $2.6 billion in economic benefits over the next thirty years, while also creating more than 3,000 construction jobs and 360 permanent positions.
The proposal now progresses to the City Planning Commission for a public hearing and subsequent vote, followed by consideration by the City Council.
A final vote by the Council is slated for November.
If the proposal is approved, construction is expected to commence in 2027, targeting project completion by 2032.
image source from：6sqft
