An armory built for the National Guard at the turn of the century may see a second life as Crown Point's newest community-oriented, multi-use complex, Raanan Geberer, reports.
As the National Guard made its way out of Bedford-Union Armory last year, New York University turned its attention to the community-serving potential of the structure, releasing a study that could guide the future reuse of the site.
After over a century of military use, the armory could soon provide facilities for recreation and sports, youth and senior services, and performance events. "NYU's Wagner Capstone team determined that the armory would require a primary operator; programming should be flexible, financially sustainable, balanced and affordable; and the armory must be a 'safe, welcoming space for the entire community.'"
Geberer adds that "the NYU team also recommended interim uses for the armory, such as flea markets and greenmarkets, as well as the possible sale of the armory's parking lot for residential development - which could create revenues for the overall project."
It would not be the first time the armory has served civilian uses. As 20th-century developments in transportation obviated the need for neighborhood armories, the National Guard opened its doors to community functions like film shoots, religious gatherings, and storage for disaster relief efforts.
FULL STORY: Transformation in store for historic Crown Heights armory

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont