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11 Most Endangered
Cranston Street Armory
Year Listed: 1997
Location: , Rhode Island
Current Status: Endangered
Threat: Deterioration, Neglect
Significance
Built in 1907 as the home of the Rhode Island National Guard, the Cranston Street Armory is massive -- 165,000 square feet of space, with a central hall the size of two football fields. Throughout its 90 years, the armory has hosted civic functions for the entire state, including everything from the circuses and track meets to gubernatorial galas and charity events. Unfortunately, the National Guard vacated the armory for economic reasons in 1996 and the building has lain vacant since. Although it remains structurally sound, the armory faces maintenance problems that include a leaking roof and broken windows. Without a tenant the building is at risk of deteriorating beyond repair and becoming a target for vandals and arsonists.
Updates
There has been some solid progress since the last update. The State Fire Marshal's Office will now be housed in a portion of the Armory, which has been partially renovated to accommodate the Office. The Building still needs at least $15 million for exterior restoration and to make the upper floors fire safe and accessible. The West Broadway Neighborhood Association continues to work actively to secure the armory’s future. They are campaigning with the state legislature for $16 million budget allocation to conduct a reuse feasibility study for the drill hall and to make critical repairs. WBNA has proposed that the state use the building as office space, which could save the state nearly $1,9600,000 per year in rental fees.
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