Last week the The New York City Dept. of Design and Construction posted this colorful sign at the Armory's 15th Street entance archway. Work has already begun transforming the Drill Hall into a world class multi-purpose athletic, recreational, and educational center. Take The Field, a non-profit organization is leading the $16 million conversion initiative in collaboration with the Departments of Education (DOE) and Homeless Services (DHS).
The P.S. Armory's program will be modeled after the highly successful Fort Washington Armory's full-service community center located in the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights. Back in the eighties, the Ft. Washington Armory had the reputation as one of the cities most inhumane homeless shelters, warehousing more than 1800 men at one point.
The Ft. Washington Armory is now home to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and has the reputation as the fastest track in the Northeast.
Last year, the exterior of the entire building was extensively restored. All the arched double sash window were replaced. The massive roof was completely removed down to it's steel support arches and replaced one shingle at a time. All the masonry was repointed and any missing or damaged brickwork was painstakingly matched so that the repairs are now almost invisible. They even matched the green sandstone that forms the foundation of the Armory.
Recently they have been painting the interior ceiling and have begun the demo of the upper balconies. This is the start of the 2 year plan to replace and upgrade the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
We are truly blessed here in Brooklyn. Perfect time to remind everyone that it's never to early to start testing the urine of our local youth for performance enhancing substances. Maybe by this time next year the center will be open for business.
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