What is the current status of the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project. How is the community involved in shaping the future of this historic Bronx landmark. What potential uses are being considered for the armory.
The Historical Significance of Kingsbridge Armory
The Kingsbridge Armory, a iconic structure in the Bronx, has a rich history dating back to its opening as a military facility in 1917. This architectural marvel was recognized for its historical importance when it was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1982. However, since 1996, the armory has remained largely vacant, standing as a silent testament to the area’s past while awaiting a new purpose.
Despite its current state of disuse, the Kingsbridge Armory continues to hold immense potential for the community. Its sheer size and unique architecture make it a prime candidate for redevelopment, potentially serving as a catalyst for local economic growth and community engagement.
Redevelopment Project: Current Status and Progress
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is spearheading the effort to breathe new life into the Kingsbridge Armory. According to Inder Grewal, the senior project manager of neighborhood strategies at the EDC, the initiative is now entering Phase 4 of the planning stage. This phase is crucial as it focuses on evaluating the tradeoffs associated with various potential uses for the facility.
The project has already progressed through several important stages:
- Phase 1: Understanding existing neighborhood conditions
- Phase 2: Identifying community values and needs
- Phase 3: Exploring possibilities for the armory
With Phase 4 underway, the project is gaining momentum and moving closer to a concrete plan for the armory’s future.
Community Engagement: A Cornerstone of the Redevelopment Process
One of the most notable aspects of the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project is the extensive community engagement effort. The EDC has made a concerted effort to gather input from local residents, ensuring that the final vision for the armory aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.
To date, the community engagement process has included:
- Two public workshops attended by over 400 people
- Ten focus groups
- More than 300 online survey responses
In total, the EDC has collected input from nearly 1,000 community members, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive planning and decision-making.
Community Assets and Values: Shaping the Armory’s Future
Through the extensive community engagement process, several key community assets and values have emerged. These insights are crucial in guiding the redevelopment plans for the Kingsbridge Armory.
Key Community Assets Identified:
- The people of the Bronx
- Creativity and diversity
- Rich borough history
- Green spaces
- Local organizing power
Community Values Emphasized:
- Uplifting local entrepreneurs
- Prioritizing youth and older adult communities
- “Putting the Bronx on the map”
These assets and values serve as a foundation for envisioning the armory’s potential uses and ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with the community’s aspirations.
Potential Uses for the Kingsbridge Armory
Based on the community input received, the EDC has identified six primary categories of potential uses for the Kingsbridge Armory:
- Recreation and entertainment space
- Community gathering place
- Cultural engagement attraction
- Small business hub
- Education center
- Health and wellness space
These categories encompass a wide range of possibilities, from museums and convention spaces to media hubs and sustainability education centers. The diversity of options reflects the multifaceted nature of the community’s needs and aspirations.
Ongoing Community Involvement and Next Steps
The EDC is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with the community throughout the redevelopment process. To facilitate this ongoing engagement, several initiatives are in place:
- A public workshop scheduled for March 18, 2023 (location to be determined)
- Weekly virtual office hours open to the public every Friday
- The “Together For Juntos Para Kingsbridge” website, where residents can register for office hour Zoom links
Looking ahead, the EDC aims to craft a comprehensive vision document for the Kingsbridge Armory project by May 2023, marking the beginning of Phase 5 in the planning process.
The Role of the Community Working Group
A crucial component of the redevelopment effort is the Community Working Group, formed in the fall of 2022. This diverse group brings together key leaders from various sectors of the community, including:
- Local businesses
- City government representatives
- Community-based organizations
The primary goal of the Community Working Group is to ensure that the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Kingsbridge neighborhood are accurately represented in the vision document for the armory’s future. Members of this group share a common belief that the Kingsbridge Armory has the potential to become a vital cultural and economic hub for the Bronx.
Political Support and Leadership
The Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project has garnered significant political support, particularly from New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez. Representing District 14, which includes the armory site, Councilmember Sanchez has been actively involved in the community engagement process.
Sanchez’s background in public service, urban planning, and community advocacy makes her a valuable ally in the redevelopment effort. Her experience working with immigrant families, supporting neighborhood concerns, and partnering with frontline community organizations brings a wealth of insight to the project.
Councilmember Sanchez’s Involvement:
- Co-hosted a public meeting with the EDC to gather local perspectives
- Advocates for inclusive planning that reflects the diverse voices of the Bronx
- Supports the vision of the armory as a catalyst for local economic growth and community empowerment
The involvement of local political leaders like Councilmember Sanchez underscores the importance of the Kingsbridge Armory project to the broader Bronx community and ensures that the redevelopment efforts remain aligned with local needs and aspirations.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Redevelopment Process
While the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project holds immense promise, it also faces several challenges that must be carefully navigated:
Historical Preservation:
How can the project honor the armory’s historical significance while adapting it for modern use? The building’s status on the National Register of Historical Places necessitates a delicate balance between preservation and innovation.
Financial Feasibility:
What funding mechanisms will be employed to support the redevelopment? Previous renovation proposals have failed, highlighting the need for a financially sustainable plan.
Community Consensus:
With diverse opinions on the armory’s future use, how can the project team synthesize various ideas into a cohesive vision that satisfies multiple stakeholders?
Economic Impact:
How can the redevelopment be leveraged to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth? The project presents an opportunity to address unemployment and underemployment in the area.
Despite these challenges, the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment also offers significant opportunities:
- Creation of a landmark destination that could attract visitors to the Bronx
- Potential for mixed-use development that serves multiple community needs
- Opportunity to showcase innovative urban renewal and adaptive reuse strategies
- Platform for celebrating Bronx culture and history
By addressing these challenges head-on and capitalizing on the opportunities presented, the Kingsbridge Armory project has the potential to become a model for community-driven urban redevelopment.
The Broader Impact on Bronx Revitalization
The Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project is not occurring in isolation. It is part of a larger trend of revitalization efforts across the Bronx. How might this project contribute to the borough’s overall development?
Catalyst for Neighborhood Improvement:
The armory’s redevelopment could spark further investment in the surrounding area, potentially leading to improved infrastructure, increased property values, and enhanced quality of life for residents.
Cultural Renaissance:
If developed as a cultural or educational center, the armory could become a hub for artistic expression and learning, contributing to the Bronx’s growing reputation as a cultural destination.
Economic Multiplier Effect:
A successfully redeveloped armory could attract businesses and create jobs, potentially stimulating economic growth beyond the immediate project area.
Community Empowerment:
The inclusive planning process demonstrates a model for community-driven development, potentially inspiring similar approaches in other Bronx neighborhoods.
As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact not just on the immediate vicinity, but on the Bronx as a whole. The Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment has the potential to serve as a beacon of progress, showcasing the borough’s resilience and capacity for positive transformation.
Lessons for Urban Redevelopment Projects
The Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment process offers valuable insights for similar projects in other cities. What are some key takeaways from this initiative?
- Community engagement is crucial: The extensive efforts to involve local residents in the planning process demonstrate the importance of grassroots input in urban redevelopment.
- Flexibility in vision: By considering multiple potential uses for the armory, the project team shows adaptability in meeting diverse community needs.
- Balancing preservation and progress: The project highlights the challenge of repurposing historical structures while respecting their heritage.
- Political alignment: Support from local elected officials like Councilmember Sanchez can be instrumental in navigating complex redevelopment processes.
- Transparency and communication: Regular updates and open channels of communication help maintain community trust and involvement.
These lessons can serve as a guide for other cities tackling similar redevelopment challenges, offering a roadmap for inclusive, community-driven urban renewal.
The Future of Kingsbridge Armory: Anticipation and Expectations
As the Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project moves forward, what can the community expect in the coming months and years?
Short-term Milestones:
- Completion of Phase 4 planning, focusing on tradeoffs for various facility uses
- Development of a comprehensive vision document by May 2023
- Continued community engagement through workshops and virtual office hours
Long-term Goals:
- Finalization of a redevelopment plan that aligns with community needs and values
- Securing funding and necessary approvals for the chosen redevelopment strategy
- Beginning of physical renovation and repurposing of the armory structure
- Integration of the redeveloped armory into the fabric of the Kingsbridge neighborhood
The journey from abandoned military facility to vibrant community asset is a long one, but the progress made thus far on the Kingsbridge Armory project is encouraging. As the planning process continues, the Bronx community remains hopeful that this historic structure will once again serve as a source of pride and opportunity for the borough.
The redevelopment of Kingsbridge Armory represents more than just the transformation of a building; it symbolizes the resurgence of a community and the power of collective vision. As the project moves through its various phases, it continues to capture the imagination of residents and city planners alike, offering a glimpse into a future where historical preservation and modern urban development can coexist harmoniously.
Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project enters Phase 4 of planning stage – Bronx Times
The ongoing project for what will become of the historic Kingsbridge Armory is heading into a new phase, according to a representative from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
Inder Grewal, the senior project manager of neighborhood strategies at the EDC said at the Feb. 14 Community Board 7 meeting that the initiative will head into Phase 4 — which he said will focus on tradeoffs for the facility.
“We started off this process with understanding the existing conditions of the neighborhood that informed our discussion around community values and needs,” Grewal said at the meeting last Tuesday. “Then we moved on to possibilities for the armory.”
The armory — which originally opened as a military facility in 1917 — was put on the National Register of Historical Places in 1982 and has mostly been vacant since 1996. Since then, multiple proposed renovations have failed.
Last month, New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, whose District 14 includes the site of the armory, co-hosted a public meeting with the EDC last month to hear a local perspective on what the structure should become. Some of those ideas included turning the armory into a museum, convention space, media or film hub, sustainability education center and a multi-purpose athletic building.
Bronxites float ideas for Kingsbridge Armory at public meeting
Grewal said during the CB7 meeting that the EDC has now collected ample community input between the two workshops the department has hosted — which drew more than 400 people total — as well as the 10 focus groups and more than 300 online survey responses.
“We’ve heard from close to if not more than 1,000 people up to this point,” he said. “In terms of community assets and strengths, people listed that the people, creativity, diversity, the borough’s rich history, the green spaces and local organizing power are the key assets that the community possesses.
”
From those assets, Grewal said that engaged participants have stated that they value uplifting local entrepreneurs, prioritizing youth and the older adult community, and “putting the Bronx on the map.”
The EDC has taken the locals’ values and whittled the main points down into six buckets that could inspire options for the armory: a recreation and entertainment space, a community gathering place, an attraction for cultural engagement, a small business hub, an education center, and a health and wellness space.
“So taking in all this information, we’re going to continue our community engagement,” Grewal said.
Another public workshop for the Kingsbridge Armory project is set to be held on March 18, although the location has not yet been decided. Additionally, the EDC is hosting virtual office hours that are open to the public every Friday. To register for an office hour Zoom link, visit the Together For Juntos Para Kingsbridge website.
Grewal said the EDC hopes to craft a comprehensive vision document for the project as part of Phase 5 by May of this year.
Reach Camille Botello at [email protected]. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
Community Working Group | Kingsbridge Armory
Formed in the fall of 2022, the Community Working Group includes key leaders from all parts of the community—including local businesses, City government, and community-based organizations in the Bronx.
The Community Working Group will make sure that the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Kingsbridge neighborhood are accurately represented and reflected in the creation of a vision document for the future of the Armory. Members of the working group are united in the belief that the Armory will be a vital cultural and economic hub for the Bronx, and they are committed to creating a plan that reflects the neighborhood and borough’s diverse perspectives.
Council Member Pierina Sanchez
Pierina Sanchez represents the 14th Council District, which includes the resilient neighborhoods of Kingsbridge, Fordham, University Heights, Mount Eden, and Mount Hope.
Pierina began her career in public service in the summer of 2007, and it propelled her into a career in public policy and urban planning. She advocated to expand early education programs at Agenda for Children Tomorrow, and helped immigrant families stabilize their status in the US. After college, Pierina came back home to work in the Council District 14 office, supporting thousands of her neighbors with their concerns.
Pierina served in the Obama White House and, after her master’s program, as an urban planner at Regional Plan Association. She partnered with frontline community organizations to include thousands of low- to moderate- income voices from immigrants and communities of color and shape the critical planning process. During this time, Pierina was also a member of Bronx Community Board 5, where she fought for deep affordable housing and meaningful investments during the Jerome rezoning process, and later cofounded the Jerome Avenue Revitalization Collaborative. Pierina served as an advisor in the Mayor’s Office, where she advocated for progressive housing, economic development and land use policies, and resources for NYCHA.
She then served as a Senior Fellow at the Pratt Center for Community Development.
Pierina is a proud alumna of Bronx public schools P.S. 46 and M.S. 45, and the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula. She went on to graduate from Harvard University on a full scholarship and earn a Master in Public Affairs degree from Princeton University.
Sandra Lobo, Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC)
Sandra Lobo currently serves as the Executive Director of the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), a 48-year-old member-led organization that unites diverse people and institutions to fight for racial and economic justice through intergenerational organizing. The NWBCCC organizes around health justice, environmental sustainability, school to prison pipeline, equitable economic and community development, and safe affordable housing within a racial justice and economic democracy framework.
A first-generation immigrant and resident of the Bronx for over 30 years, Sandra has worked to develop leadership of color, creating long-term organizational sustainability, and building community shared wealth and ownership and collective governance over local assets through an anti-racist lens.
