New York Construction Report staff writer
A historic redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory was unveiled this week, marking the beginning of a transformative project that will reshape the heart of the Bronx. The proposal, named El Centro Kingsbridge, is backed by a $215 million investment from city, state, and federal sources and will bring a dynamic, mixed-use development to the iconic site, which has long been underutilized.
The winning proposal, submitted by the development team 8th Regiment Partners LLC, which includes Joy Construction and Maddd Equities, won a competitive request-for-proposal (RFP) process initiated by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
Construction will happen in two phases, with Phase One set to create a vibrant, community-centered space with over 25,000 square feet dedicated to local cultural, commercial, and community use, as well as event space, sports fields, an educational facility for workforce development, and more. Phase Two will include the construction of 450 units of permanently affordable rental housing adjacent to the Armory.
The El Centro Kingsbridge redevelopment is expected to deliver a nearly $2.6 billion economic impact over the next 30 years, generating more than 3,000 construction jobs and approximately 360 permanent jobs in the area. Local community leaders and elected officials, who have long pushed for the Armory’s revitalization, hailed the project as a major step forward for the Bronx.
“We are turning a vision into reality for the people of the Bronx,” Mayor Adams said. “At the Kingsbridge Armory, we are delivering affordable housing for our neighbors, sports fields for our children, and community spaces for families—all in one location. This is what the future of the Bronx looks like, and I’m proud to be part of this historic moment.”
Gov. Hochul added, “For decades, Bronx residents have been promised a new Kingsbridge Armory, and today, we are partnering with the city to make that promise a reality. This transformative project will unite communities, provide spaces for recreation and learning, and deliver the much-needed affordable housing that our borough and city deserve.”
The development plan was informed by the Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan, which incorporated input from more than 4,000 local residents through surveys, community board meetings, and other engagement efforts. The resulting vision calls for a broad mix of uses that benefit both the immediate community and the wider Bronx area.
“The Kingsbridge Armory has long represented unrealized potential,” Rep. Espaillat said. “With this redevelopment, we are finally unlocking that potential. El Centro Kingsbridge will serve as a space for all of us—a multi-purpose facility that meets the needs of our youth, working families, and small businesses, while also contributing to the borough’s economic growth.”
The 180,000-square-foot Drill Hall, a column-free space within the Armory will become a hub for events, performances, and public gatherings, enhancing the area’s cultural and recreational offerings. The development team also plans to add sports fields specifically for local youth academies, furthering the city’s commitment to fostering sports and physical activity opportunities.
Also, El Centro Kingsbridge will include a workforce development facility that focuses on training and education, preparing local residents for career opportunities in construction, technology, and other high-demand fields.
Phase Two of the project will bring 450 units of affordable rental housing to the site, addressing the city’s ongoing need for housing in one of the most in-demand boroughs in New York City. The inclusion of affordable housing will help ensure that long-time Bronx residents can continue to live in the neighborhood, even as development brings new opportunities.
“This project will create the housing, jobs, and community spaces that our borough needs,” Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said. “The Kingsbridge Armory has the potential to boost the economy, increase tourism, and offer educational opportunities for all. I’m excited to see this vision come to life.”
