New York Construction Report
The Office of General Services is taking bids for the $100 million construction phase to revamp the historic Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City. Changes will turn the early-20th century building into one ready to serve a 21st century military force with state-of-the-art training and workspace areas. Click this link for more information.
Winning bids are expected to be announced in mid-August.
“The Lexington Avenue Armory is beginning to show its age, and we are eager to get much needed repairs underway,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release. “This renovation will go a long way in preserving the distinctive architectural and historic features of the building, which have placed it on the city, state, and federal landmark lists.”
Incorporating computer network infrastructure as well as specially designed latrines and locker rooms for female soldiers, the redesign will turn an early-20th Century building will create state-of-the-art training and workspace areas.
The project is being financed with $90 million in federal funding obtained 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. Costs of the project will be split, with the federal government covering approximately 75 percent of the cost and the State covering the remainder.
The mid-town Manhattan armory has been the home of the New York Army National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment since it was completed in 1906. The Soldiers of “The Fighting 69th” have marched off to World Wars I and II and in 2004, the Iraq War, from the armory. The armory also served as a location for National Guard Soldiers to assist the people of New York in the days after the 9/11 attacks and following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
“The rehabilitation of the historic Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan is a once in a century opportunity for the New York Army National Guard,” said Adjutant General of New York Major General Ray Shields. “The rehabilitation will ensure that our Soldiers are ready and trained for their role as the combat reserve of the Army and available to the Governor for civil support operations.”