This adaptive reuse project transformed the abandoned First Battalion #105 Field Artillery Armory, the oldest armory in New York, from a neighborhood eyesore into a community asset.
Specifically designed to meet the need for affordable housing with respect to its historic context, ‘Armory Towers’ has set an example for others that quality housing can be created in unexpected settings, and it is well suited to the historic ‘Fort-Greene’ Clinton-Hill area in which it thrives.
The 154,000 square foot development is composed of two six-story elevator buildings containing 111 units of middle-income housing that are connected by a large landscaped central courtyard.
The cellar and first floor include 30,000 square feet of parking for 113 cars and 7,000 square feet for the newly created Community Partnership Charter School, in addition to the residential lobby.
In keeping with the intent of maintaining a sense of historic facades, multi colored synthetic stucco was used throughout to create distinctive exteriors. Large portions of the remaining structure have been carefully preserved and act as bearing walls.
Three of the original 130-foot iron trusses span over the large garden courtyard between the towers, parting the original masonry walls, exposed to the sky, in an attempt to capture some of the historic character of the original Clermont Armory. A hybrid system consisting of a structural steel skeleton, masonry bearing walls and light gauge metal framing comprises the structural system.
The construction cost was $11 million, at approximately $85/s.f. In addition to the Armory’ success as an adaptive reuse project, it has created a notable revival in the neighborhood.
Since its completion many businesses, and restaurants have opened in the area. We take pride in the Armory’ achievements, not only as an architectural statement but also due to its social impact, which we value equally.