Governor: State Launches 7th Regiment Armory Restoration
State Moves to Preserve, Protect and Restore Historic and Cultural Landmark
Reprinted From The Press Release
Governor George E. Pataki today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the creation of a public/private partnership to restore, preserve, operate and maintain the historic Seventh Regiment Armory in Manhattan.
Empire State Development Corporation (ESD), the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the facility’s current administrator, and an Armory Advisory Council created by the Governor, worked with E & Y Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group (Ernst & Young) to craft an RFP that would attract an appropriate developer to preserve, rehabilitate and finance necessary capital improvements at the Armory. Responses to the RFP are due on October 16, 2000.
“The Seventh Regiment Armory is a cultural and historic gem, a valuable part of our State’s great heritage,” Governor Pataki said. “By creating a public/private partnership, we can ensure the preservation, protection and restoration of this architectural, historical and cultural jewel.”
In developing the RFP, local residents, the City and the Armory Advisory Council — consisting of State department and agency heads, representatives from art and cultural organizations and community group — all had a voice in how this landmark is to be preserved and continue to serve the community.
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said, “The commitment to the redevelopment and revitalization of this prestigious armory as a cultural center is a great decision for the City. Business is booming and new construction is going up at a record pace in all five boroughs, but it is also important that we retain the significant landmarks that represent our great heritage. And I applaud Governor Pataki for involving the private sector to make the project fiscally sound.”
The Seventh Regiment Armory, located at 643 Park Avenue in New York City, was built between 1877 and 1880 for the Seventh Regiment of Manhattan. The regiment was originally dubbed the “Silk Stocking Regiment” because of its socially prominent members.
Senator Roy M. Goodman said, “The plan to convert the Seventh Regiment Armory into a cultural center in the heart of Manhattan’s East Side provides a superb opportunity for all New Yorkers interested in the arts. I congratulate Governor Pataki, Commissioners Gargano and Castro and Mayor Giuliani for their initiative and look forward to working with them to implement their superb plan.”
Assemblyman John A. Ravitz said, “I want to thank the Governor and his Administration for their commitment to restore and preserve this landmark building in my district that has been part of the incredible history of New York City.”
The Armory is home to the New York National Guard. In addition, the facility hosts many groups and accommodates many uses. The main hall is rented out to antique, art and antiquarian book shows from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The period rooms are sites for corporate-sponsored events and social functions. The main, one story drill hall measures 55,000 square feet, with an 80 foot-high roof supported by a truss system. It is one of the largest non-columned spaces in New York City.
ESD Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “Governor George E. Pataki has led New York to the forefront of privatization nationally and the Seventh Regiment Armory further reinforces the State’s prominent role. This RFP will command a great deal of attention from first class developers. Thanks to the Governor’s foresight, this landmark will be returned to the stature it deserves and thanks to the private sector, be self sustaining.”
Bernadette Castro, State Parks Commissioner and State Historic Preservation Officer, said, “The State Historic Preservation Office is proud to be collaborating with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the Empire State Development Corporation and others in the important effort to rehabilitate and put on a sounder fiscal footing this National Historic Landmark, the interior of which reflects the genius of Tiffany and other outstanding American artists and designers.”
Maj. Gen. Jack Fenimore, New York State Adjutant General, said “From the War of 1812 through Desert Storm, New York National Guard units based at the Seventh Regiment Armory have served with distinction and honor. Enabling the conservation of the armory, not just as a military installation, but as an historic landmark is yet another example of Governor Pataki’s unwavering commitment to preserving New York State’s rich military heritage.”
The Seventh Regiment Armory was designed by Charles Clinton, a regimental member. The smaller, public social rooms such as the library and meeting rooms were designed by Louis C. Tiffany, Stanford White and other well-known firms of the time and remain some of the finest surviving examples of American interior design of its era. The building is listed on the State and national registers of historic places, was designated as a National Landmark in 1986 and its exterior as a New York City Landmark in 1967. The interiors were designated New York City landmarks in 1994.
The RFP requires all proposals to include a management, maintenance and operations plan, a financial plan, and a restoration and preservation plan. All restoration and preservation efforts will be in accordance with all applicable historic preservation laws.
To receive a copy of the Seventh Regiment Armory RFP, please call Charles Shorter of Ernst & Young at 212-773-6093.
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