In a brilliant red white and blue display of soldiers on their way to the battle of White Plains, a silhouette by Norman Rockwell greets you as you enter the city. Below this amazing piece of Americana is a sign proclaiming “New Rochelle Rich in History”. This one piece, meticulously restored, says so much about this fine city. There is, however, more than meets the eye.
A large, one of a kind structure sits on Main Street. One of very few Naval Armories ever built in the U.S. It is a part of our history and the culture of this city and has helped define our place in this world today by serving us throughout the past. From those who were sent off to fight the “war to end all wars”, to those who marshaled to contribute to the recovery efforts in the aftermath of September 11th this edifice takes it’s place in our society as no other place can. The sole survivor of an era that will forever be forgotten if we do not do what we are compelled to do, for the sake of those before us, and those that will follow. The clearest vision will see the capacity that exists in a building we already own. The potential to deliver the best of what New Rochelle has to offer cannot be overlooked. The possibilities are endless if you look outside the box.
Imagine a vibrant and energetic arts center or museum and interpretive historical center that would engage the community. A living tribute to what those of this city might have become had they not paid the price of answering their country’s call. A forum for those yet to come. It’s been said that no soldier ever dies until he is forgotten. What better way to honor our history of contribution than by celebrating in life. This is the time to make history for all of the right reasons. When we look back, will the urban development fall under the “rich in history” category?
Many other cities have embraced their armory by committing themselves to making the right choice for not only their history, but for the future:
The Armory Art Center – Palm Beach, FL
The Armory Center for the Arts – Pasadena,CA
Armory Square – Syracuse, NY
Bataan Armory Museum – Santa Fe, NM
Portland Armory Center Stage – Portland, OR
Armory Art and Music Center – Duluth, MN
There is also the additional environmental bonus. There is a saying that the greenest building is the one that’s already built. When you take into account the effort and energy to raze this building, site prep, landfill disposal, and alternate construction compared to reusing and adapting this historical site you’ll see the bonus. The investment relative to value of the building is small. Relative to the cultural and historical value, it’s even less.
I would urge anyone to learn the facts surrounding this icon before forming your opinion.
So, Why Would You Save The Armory? Maybe the question should be Why Wouldn’t You Save The Armory?
I heard that the Armory was
I heard that the Armory was conveyed in a deed to the City of New Rochelle with the restriction must be used for recreational purposes only. That deed also goes on to require the City of New Rochelle Maintain the building which they have not.
Having read this deed I also see a reverter clause which give NY State the right to take it back should the City of New Rochelle not fufill those binding legal requirements.
Why has NY State not taken back the building?
How can the City of New Rochelle think they can circumvent the legal terms of the deed?
Why is it not being used for the recreational betterment of the Citizens of New Rochelle?
Are there politics being played?
Someone also said that Police and Fire depts have used the building for fire and police training further dammaging the building. Knowing that Westchester Country has a Police and Fire Training facilities why would they then allow the building to be abused?
armory
This building should be used for recreational purposes funded by professional sports . Our children have no place to hang out and not get in trouble.It should be a youth center with tutoring for students having trouble in school.At the same time a rec center with sports training and can be expanded to music ,dance etc…This idea should be funded through our local professional sports clubs which make plenty of money from New Rochelle.