NYS Office of General Services and Division of Military and Naval Affairs Announce the Completion of $129 Million Rehabilitation of Jamaica Armory in Queens

NYS Office of General Services and Division of Military Affairs today announced the completion of the $129 million renovation project for the historic Jamaica Armory in Queens.

 

“New York can always count on the Division of Military and Naval Affairs during difficult times,” Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy said. “OGS is proud to have led and completed this work at the Armory. It now provides the New York National Guard with an up-to-date space to train, learn, and coordinate emergency readiness and response efforts. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership, DMNA, and the design and construction firms who were part and parcel of this project’s success.”

 

This renovation project started in 2019 and spanned six years from design to construction. It revitalized the armory’s 190,000-square-foot interior into a safe, modern space tailored to the needs of today’s New York Army National Guard. The armory can now accommodate 600 soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion of the 258th Field Artillery and the 442nd Military Police Company.

 

Adjutant General of New York Major General Ray Shields said, “The ribbon cutting and grand reopening and of the new and improved Jamaica Armory marks a great day for the New York Army National Guard and our Citizen Soldiers. The men and women who serve our state and nation in the Army National Guard deserve a first rate, 21st Century facility to serve as their base for training, building and maintaining readiness, and deploying. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Governor Hochul for their efforts to obtain the funding for this project and for the Office of General Services for ensuring that this historic armory was rehabilitated to meet the needs of our Soldiers.”

 

As part of the rehabilitation, safety and environmental improvements were made; outdated HVAC, electrical, plumbing, gas, sewer, and water systems were replaced; a new barrel-vaulted roof was installed over the drill shed; and telecommunication and technology capabilities were advanced.

 

Additionally, a 33,750-square-foot area was built within the existing structure, and the readiness center was updated to meet the New York Army National Guard’s training, administrative, and logistics requirements. Design and construction companies involved in this project include CHA with sub-consultants Ramboll, Envision, LERA, and Popli for design as well as, contractors LiRo-Hill and Suffolk Construction.

 

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “The modernization of the Jamaica Armory is a huge boost to the New York National Guard and all of Southeast Queens, which is why we fought so hard to secure the $91 million in federal funds to make it happen. The completely revamped and modernized Jamaica Armory will help the New York Army National Guard’s long-term readiness and response capabilities, not to mention recruitment and retention. I have been a staunch advocate of the Jamaica Armory project for many years, along with my partner Rep. Greg Meeks, and I’m thrilled to celebrate the completion of this project and the huge shot in the arm it will give to Jamaica and Southeast Queens.”

 

New York State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “This renovation is more than just an upgrade, it’s about making sure the men and women of the New York Army National Guard have the resources they need to train, respond to emergencies, and serve our state and nation. The Jamaica Armory has a long history in Queens, and now it’s been transformed into a space that truly meets today’s needs. I want to thank Commissioner Moy, the Division of Military and Naval Affairs and everyone who worked to make this project a reality. Their commitment ensures that our National Guard is set up for success now and in the future.”

 

National President of Suffolk Construction Ralph Esposito said, "Suffolk was privileged to manage the renovation of the historic Jamaica Armory, maintaining the highest standards and overcoming unprecedented challenges, including starting during the COVID pandemic. The support and collaboration from the Office of General Services were instrumental in our success. Their openness to our creative approach and cutting-edge technology allowed us to overcome challenges and enable early occupancy by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs while continuing construction with the highest levels of quality and safety.”  

 

Overlooking New York City, the Jamaica Armory was built as a fortress in Art Deco style that provided training and protection during emergency military responses. In 1928, the Armory Board found the land needed to build the armory and made it the home of the New York National Guard’s 104th Artillery Regiment once it was completed in 1936. Over the years, the armory deteriorated, and its layout no longer suited the needs of the 21st-century army.

 

Now, it is a state-of-the-art facility for the New York Army National Guard and can help them improve their readiness to respond to potential domestic emergencies and engage in federal foreign missions.

 

To learn more about this project, visit https://ogs.ny.gov/jamaica-armory