Lexington Avenue Armory Renovation Project

The Restoration & Rehabilitation of the New York National Guard's Historic 69th Regiment Armory

Project Overview Modernizing a New York National Guard Readiness Center

The Lexington Avenue Armory, constructed between 1904-1906, is a National Historic Landmark designed in the Beaux-Arts style. Following over a century of use, the Armory’s 180,000-square-foot interior no longer meets the needs of a modern, twenty-first-century, military readiness and response facility. 

The Armory Rehabilitation Project will provide for the complete renovation and reprogramming of all spaces to comply with the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs' National Guard Readiness Center requirements, including:

  • Replacement of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, telecommunications, and fire protection systems that will bring the building into code compliance.
  • Renovations to the kitchen, gymnasium, offices, assembly, classrooms, and myriad storage spaces. 
  • Restoration of the armory's historic rooms, murals, staircases, entryway, and facade, and drill hall refurbishment.
  • Construction of a new ADA-accessible visitor entry with an elevator and stairway and a new street-level vehicle ramp with new concrete flooring.
  • Installation of new interior lighting and new roofing on the administration and annex buildings.

 

As designed, the building will qualify for LEED Gold certification. 

One of the project's primary goals is to improve the functionality and efficiency of this historic armory while enhancing the original architecture throughout the interior. The project will optimize the square footage of the Armory for efficient circulation and create new spaces. The project designs were developed in collaboration with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs using National Guard Bureau guidelines with the New York State Historic Preservation Office and Landmarks in consultation. The project's prime design consultant was MARVEL, with sub-consultants Dewberry (engineering), Silman (structural engineering), Thornton Tomasetti, M&P Engineering, Cerami, and SDLB.

National Historic Landmark A Classically Inspired Style of Architecture

Historic view of the Lexington Avenue Armory.

The Lexington Avenue Armory, constructed between 1904-1906, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a New York City Designated Landmark. Designed by the architectural firm of Hunt & Hunt, sons of the prominent 19th-century architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Armory was built in the classically inspired Beaux-Arts style, a departure from earlier medieval-styled castellated Armory construction.

The Armory extends the entire block between 25th and 26th Streets, and extends two-thirds of the block between Lexington and Park Avenues. Following a traditional armory layout, the building is comprised of two major sections: A three-story administration building with offices, a library, classrooms, and a gymnasium; and a drill shed for military exercises and training.

The Armory's unique architectural features include a two-story mansard roof over the administration wing, and a barrel vault roof with steel trusses over the drill shed. With no interior columns, the Armory is supported entirely by thick load-bearing exterior walls.

In 1913, the Armory hosted the International Exhibition of Modern Art, commonly known as the "Armory Show." A seminal event in the history of art, the Armory Show introduced America to modern European art and artists and included works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Duchamp, Matisse, and more. 

In 2023, the New York State Office of General Services, working on behalf of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, completed a total window replacement project. All 282 of the armory's windows were replaced with insulating glass units and durable mahogany wood frames. This project was selected for the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award – The New York Landmarks Conservancy's highest honor for historic preservation. 

Preserving a Legacy Honoring the Armory's Heroic Past & Present

Home of the "Fighting 69th"

 The Lexington Avenue Armory, also known as the 69th Regiment Armory, was built between 1904-1906 as a home for New York's famous 69th Regiment. Formed in 1851 by mostly first- or second-generation Irish immigrants, the 69th Regiment became one of New York's most prestigious units. The 69th was deployed in several major conflicts throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Readiness & Response

 On the homefront, the Lexington Avenue Armory and the 69th Regiment are at the center of response during domestic emergencies. The 69th was among the first units to respond on September 11, 2001, with the Armory used as an assistance and counseling center for 9/11 victims and their families. In 2012, over 4,000 New York National Guard troops were deployed for Hurricane Sandy response, and in 2020, over 6,000 New York National Guard troops responded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Finance Law §§ 139-j and 139-k Procurement Lobbying Designated Contact

Under State Finance Law §§ 139-j and 139-k, this solicitation includes and imposes certain restrictions on communications during the procurement process. If you have any questions concerning this procurement, please reach out to the project's Designated Contact: Catherine Skaczkowski, Division of Contract Management, at (518) 474-0203. Further information about these requirements can be found on the Advisory Council for Procurement Lobbying website.