Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the Office of General Services is accepting bids for the $100 million renovation of the Lexington Avenue Armory at 68 Lexington Avenue in Rose Hill, Manhattan. The project aims to modernize the historic early-20th century building, making it suitable for a 21st-century military force.
The Lexington Avenue Armory was built in 1906 and has been home to the New York Army National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment since its completion. It was designed by Joseph Howland Hunt and Richard Howland Hunt, and spans 177,438 square feet across four stories. The soldiers of “The Fighting 69th” have served in World Wars I and II, the Iraq War, and assisted New Yorkers after the 9/11 attacks and Superstorm Sandy.
Historical image of Lexington Avenue Armory, via nyc.gov
The renovation is being funded by $90 million secured by the New York Congressional delegation, led by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and $40 million in state dollars approved by Governor Hochul and the Legislature. The federal government will cover approximately 75 percent of the cost, with the state covering the remainder.
The redesign specifications call for specially designed latrines and locker rooms for female soldiers, as well as updated computer network infrastructure. Renovation work plans to preserve the structure’s distinctive architectural and historic features while ensuring that the armory is ready to serve modern military needs.
“I’m proud to deliver $90 million in federal funding for the historic 69th Regiment Armory to modernize and improve readiness,” Schumer said. “Not only is the armory a national and New York City landmark, but it’s home to The Fighting 69th, a regiment once made up of mostly Irish immigrants with a distinguished and storied history. The rehabilitation of the armory is long overdue, and it will restore the landmark to meet the modern-day needs of the Army. Thanks to $90 million in federal funding I secured in the appropriations bill and Governor Hochul’s support of $30 million in state dollars, New York Army National Guard members who selflessly serve our country will be getting the best facilities we can provide, and opening this project for bids brings us another step closer to these much-needed and long overdue upgrades.”
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This is not an architectural gem like the Park Ave. Armory. It is probably most famous for the Armory Show of Modern Art in 1913. If schools can have “lavatories,” I suppose armories can have “latrines.” Both terms could use modernization.
This modern addition will come with a restroom, and locker room which is required: Thanks.
seriously…$100M for modernization?
Golden toilets? Marble urinals? Who knows?
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