Jamaica Armory Renovation

The National Guard uses Jamaica Amory as a base of operations when responding to emergencies in New York City and serves as a recruitment hub for the region. It is the home and training center to over 600 soldiers of the 42nd Division Artillery, 258th Field Artillery Battalion, HHB 258th Field Artillery Battalion HQ, Charlie Battery 258th Field Artillery Battalion, Fox Company 427th Support Battalion, 1/69th Infantry Battalion HQ, HHC 1/69th Infantry Battalion, and A Company 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion.  

In 2019, almost 90 years after its construction, the Division of Military and Naval Affairs secured funding for an overdue modernization needed to increase soldier capacity, implement current technologies, and respond to missions domestically and overseas.

The New York State Office of General Services and its design and construction partners have delivered extensive renovations in spite of massive obstacles: the building’s location mere feet from the Long Island Railroad tracks, the discovery of disruptive unforeseen conditions, and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic were all overcome to deliver this transformation. OGS is proud to deliver a reinvented Jamaica Armory that's ready to serve modern and future missions.

Partnering consultants and contractors included:

• Design: CHA with sub-consultants Ramboll (environmental design), Envision (architecture), LERA (structural engineering), and Popli (plumbing and fire protection)
• Construction: LiRo-Hill (construction management) and Suffolk Construction (prime contractor)

The success of this collaboration has earned the project an Excellence in Partnering award from the Association of General Contractors.

At 190,000 square feet, the historic Jamaica Armory sits on nearly an entire city block in Jamaica, Queens. As part of the renovation, OGS expanded this area by inserting a second floor into the massive Drill Hall, adding 33,750 square feet and enabling the building to accommodate over 600 soldiers.

Spaces Old and New

Spaces old and new have been reappointed to facilitate modern Guard missions:

• The original stable, complete with horse bath, was rebuilt into military and personnel vehicle parking
• The shooting range was transformed into secure storage for unit essentials
• Office, conference, training, and assembly rooms were updated with modern furnishings and technologies

Despite all this, the building's heritage is preserved in its ornamental lobby and paneled conference room.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

The entire building's infrastructure was replaced beneath the surface using efficient, modern materials, including:

• Eliminating environmental and safety hazards
• Structural replacement of the entire barrel-vaulted roof
• Mechanical and electrical equipment, ductwork, gas, sewer, and water lines
• Electronic communication and security wiring 

Looking over the greater Queens community, Jamaica Armory was designed and built to be a fortress, providing training and protection during emergency responses. Construction began in 1928 when the Armory Board found the land and hired esteemed architect Charles B. Meyers whose Art Deco vision cost $1.5 million to build.

The Armory was completed in 1936, and the 104th Artillery became the first unit to occupy it. Soldiers shared the space with 138 horses, used to pull their 75-millimeter guns left over from World War I, and a harness repair shop.  Other spaces included a gymnasium, offices, a lounge, locker rooms, recreation areas, a pistol range, and a bowling alley.