Kingsbridge FAQs
What’s the deal here?
The defining icon of the Bronx’s Kingsbridge road, this armory covers 575,000 square feet and contains the largest military drill hall in the nation. The New York City Economic Development Corporation is selecting a developer to turn the entire space, used until 1998 as a National Guard facility, into a retail and entertainment complex. That process began with the Giuliani administration, which moved to turn the armory into a retail and entertainment complex that would include big box retail and a Basketball City.
How have local residents responded?
In the late 1990s, after Bronx council members secured funds to restore the dilapidated armory, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) organized a series of meetings to discuss possible new uses for the historic structure. Residents stressed a need for new schools for this overcrowded district, as well as a sports complex and community center. They approached the Richman Group, a major New York City developer, which created plans for new schools on an adjoining site while restoring the armory as retail, recreational and community space.
The Bloomberg administration proceeded to issue an RFP for the site and form a task force to guide its redevelopment. Through seats are controlled by elected officials, Kingsbridge-area residents have secured several seats on that task force.
What is KARA?
The Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance is a coalition of local residents and businesses, elected officials, labor unions, religious congregations and community groups. Formed in 2005 through an alliance of NWBCCC and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), KARA has developed a set of community benefit principles that include schools on the armory grounds, good jobs for community residents and affordable entertainment and recreation.
What developers want to get involved and what is their vision for the space?
As of April 2008, the EDC has chosen Related Companies to redevelop the Armory. We’ll publish details on the plan as they become available.
What’s the armory’s history?
1913: In the face of urban unrest, NYC deems greater military presence advisable; construction begins on the armory and is completed in 1917
1974: Armory is designated a national historical landmark
1988: National Guard vacates armory; one artillery unit remains
1997: Mayor and City Council agree that the armory, which is in a state of total disrepair, should be renovated
1998-99: City takes ownership of the armory; City Council allocates $30 million for renovation
1999: Mayor Giuliani appoints a task force to look at redevelopment possibilities; community identifies need for new schools in armory
2000: Giuliani introduces $110 million plan to turn armory into an entertainment and sports center
2002: Department of Education declares armory unfit for schools
2003: EDC agrees to issue an RFP for the site, pending the evacuation of remaining National Guard units
2005: Governor George Pataki tours the armory and commits to relocating Guard Units; KARA formed
2006: Churches, community organizations, unions and elected officials sign on to KARA’s Community Benefit Principles. EDC creates task force to develop RFP for armory; includes KARA members appointed by local elected officials. RFP issued; asks developers to include two schools and states a preference for applications that provide community benefits that include living wage jobs.
2007: Three developers submit proposals.
March 2008: The Daily News reports that Related Companies has won the armory contract, although the city’s Economic Development Corporation refuses to confirm the report.
Why should I care if I don’t live there?
Kingsbridge residents have allied with unions and elected officials to press for community benefits that include living wages, restrictions on big box retail, recreation space, a bookstore, and more. This diverse coalition has sufficient political strength to get results and set a precedent for other development projects in the city.
How can I get involved?
Contact Ava Farkas at Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, ava [at] northwestbronx [dot] org.