City Seeks Developer To Remake Crown Heights Armory

In June 2012, outgoing Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz pledged $1 million to revamp the Bedford-Union Armory in Crown Heights, and now the city is finally moving forward with the redevelopment of the 150,000-square foot building. The Daily News noticed that Economic Development Corporation quietly issued an RFP for the site on October 30, seeking a developer to buy or lease the property and turn it into a community facility. Located between between Union and President Streets, the building encompasses 80 percent of the block between Bedford and Rogers Avenues. The 1903 structure features a lot of original details, but it is not protected by landmarks designation.

The RFP does not specify what the building must be used for, but Markowitz and neighborhood groups have long wanted it to be turned into a recreation center with a gymnasium, swimming pool, and/or skating rink. At the same time Markowitze pledged funds for the project, he had a group of NYU graduate students examine how the building could be used and how it could be paid for. They suggested building apartments on the sites parking lot, but a rezoning would need to happen for this to be allowed. Submissions are due January 23, 2014.
· City Finally Seeks Developer to Turn Crown Heights Armory Into a Community Center [NYDN]
· Markowitz Pledges $1M to Revamp Crown Heights Armory [Curbed]
Photo via Bedford-Union Armory Revitalization Facebook