Jamaica Armory Renovation

The Jamaica Armory sits on more than two acres of land and consumes an entire city block in Jamaica, Queens. The initial construction of the armory began in 1928 and took 8 years to complete. In April 1936, the 104th Artillery took occupancy of the armory and almost 90 years later the Jamaica Armory still serves as the home and training location for New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion of the 258th Field Artillery and the 442nd Military Police Co.

The Office of General Services (OGS) is renovating the 190,000-square-foot historic armory, to improve Governor-directed responses to domestic emergencies and federally directed responses to overseas contingency missions. Once renovations are completed the space will accommodate 600 soldiers.

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Thank you for your patience during this important project!

The Jamaica Armory looks over the city and was built to be a fortress, which provided lodging, training, and protection during emergency responses. The initial construction began in 1928 when the Armory Board found the land and made it the home of the New York National Guard’s 104th Artillery Regiment.

Architect Charles B. Meyers, who specialized in designing schools, hospitals, and public buildings, designed the armory. His art deco design was completed in 1936 and cost $1.5 million to build. The original plans included a gymnasium, office spaces, a lounge, locker rooms, recreation areas, a pistol range, and a bowling alley. There was also a stable with space for 138 horses used to pull the 104th Artillery's 75-millimeter guns left over from World War I. A harness repair shop was also included.

The 104th Artillery occupied the Armory in April of 1936.

Almost 90 years later, the Jamaica Armory is still standing. While some nuts and bolts are missing, the mission remains the same. To serve as the home and training location for New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion of the 258th Field Artillery and the 442nd Military Police Co. The National Guard also uses the armory when responding to emergencies in New York City.

Currently, the armory is getting more than just a facelift. There will be new infrastructure, updates on all environmental and safety hazards, replacement of outdated systems, and modernized utilities and capabilities. This includes a new roof, updated electrical, plumbing, gas, sewer, water, and new communication and technology capabilities. The Office of General Services (OGS) will deliver a $100M renovation of the historic armory (190,000 sq ft), which will help improve responses to a Governor directed domestic emergencies and federal overseas contingency missions.

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