Previous redevelopment proposal defeated after Bronx leaders objected to project’s impact on community and developer’s refusal to agree to living wage provision. On January 12, 2012, the Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. The 575,000 sq.ft. landmarked building features an open hall with high ceilings and 180,000 sq.ft. of space. The RFP comes two years after the City Council rejected the Related Companies’ proposal to convert the armory into a retail mall with a movie theater, fitness center, and supermarket.  (read more…)

Members of the City Council’s Bronx delegation, at a public hearing, said they opposed the project because the developer would not agree to a living wage provision for armory workers. On December 14, 2009, the City Council denied Related Companies’ redevelopment plan for the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory in the northwest Bronx. Under the proposal, Related would have built a four-story structure within the armory providing 500,000 sq.ft. of commercial space, 27,000 sq.ft. of community facility space, 30,000 sq.ft. of open space, and a sub-level parking garage. To facilitate the $300 million project, the proposal included applications to dispose of the City-owned armory and to rezone the area from an R6 district to a C4-4 commercial use district.

At the City Planning Commission’s hearing, members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA), a coalition of nineteen Bronx community groups, and a representative of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. expressed concerns about the project’s impact on the community. They requested that Related sign a community benefits agreement guaranteeing a living wage provision that would provide employees with a salary of at least $10 an hour with benefits, or $11.50 an hour without benefits. The owners of a nearby supermarket chain claimed that a potential new supermarket within the armory would hurt the local markets in the area. (read more…)

City Planning Commission approved Related Companies’ Kingsbridge Armory plan,with four Commissioners voting against proposal. On October 19, 2009, the City Planning Commission approved Related Companies’ proposal to redevelop the landmarked Kingsbridge Armory in northwest Bronx. The plan is a result of the combined efforts of the EDC and the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force, which was established by the City in 2006 to facilitate the development of the vacant building.

Related’s proposal includes building a four-story structure within the armory’s 180,000 sq.ft. drill hall, leaving its landmarked exterior unaltered. Combined with the armory’s three basement levels, this would create seven levels of usable space. The project would provide 500,000 sq.ft. of commercial and retail space, including a movie theater and fitness facility. It would also provide 27,000 sq.ft. of community facility space, 30,000 sq.ft. of public open space, and approximately 400 sub-level accessory parking spaces. (read more…)

EDC seeks proposals to convert historic Bronx armory to a mixed-use facility. On September 26, 2006, the City’s Economic Development Corporation released a request for proposals for the sale and redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory located on the southwest corner of 195th Street and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx. Reportedly the largest Armory in the world, the main floor is larger than a full city block, and is comprised entirely of an immense 300-foot by 600-foot open room with 110 foot ceilings. The building’s two basements add an additional 312,000 sq.ft. of space, giving the entire facility an impressive 575,000 sq.ft. The Armory, designated a City landmark in 1994, features two towering battlement towers, Romanesque arches, and intricate brick and terra cotta detailing.

A task force comprised of City, state, and federal officials as well as community stakeholders will facilitate the selection process. The task force is seeking proposals for a mixed-use development that will complement existing uses in the area, provide quality jobs for area residents, and promote economic growth without directly competing with existing businesses. Proposals must consider the nearby “education mile” where well over 20,000 elementary, middle, high school, and college students attend classes each day. The taskforce has encouraged bids to include commercial, entertainment, recreation, and community uses. Residential and educational uses are not permitted. The project should also restore the Armory’s historic facade and incorporate principles of sustainable design. (read more…)