New York City greenlights Kingsbridge Armory transformation
- Jake Nicholas
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
The New York City Council has approved a transformative redevelopment plan for the historic Kingsbridge Armory at 1 West Kingsbridge Road in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx. Spearheaded by 8th Regiment Partners in partnership with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), the project will convert the long-vacant landmark into a dynamic mixed-use community hub developed under the "Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan" with extensive community engagement.
The two-phase construction project is backed by $216 million in combined city, state, and federal funding. Phase one focuses on the adaptive reuse of the armory's iconic 180,000-square-foot Drill Hall, creating a major events venue, recreational facilities, cultural and commercial spaces, 125,000 square feet of manufacturing and community-use areas, and over 25,000 square feet dedicated to community programming. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.
Phase two will redevelop the adjacent National Guard site to deliver approximately 500 units of permanently affordable rental housing, expected to be completed by 2032.
The project is projected to generate nearly $2.9 billion in economic impact and create approximately 3,600 jobs, prioritizing local hiring and union labor under a project labor agreement. A comprehensive Community Benefits Agreement ensures commitments to living wages, small business protections, sustainability measures, and tenant protections. A Community Council, co-led by NWBCCC, will oversee programming and investment through an established Community Benefit Fund.
"Today's vote to realize the community's vision for the Kingsbridge Armory is a monumental achievement for our coalition, and a powerful testament to what's possible through sustained collaborative community leadership," said Sandra Lobo, Executive Director of NWBCCC. "This project centers community priorities, leverages local assets, and ensures that Bronx workers, residents, and small businesses have access to good family-sustaining jobs, affordable space, and real opportunities to build shared wealth."
Akerman is proud to represent 8th Regiment Partners in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) on the restoration and adaptive reuse of this historic landmark—North America's largest armory. Our work encompassed critical land use actions including rezoning, securing a special permit for a live events venue with 17,000-person capacity, and obtaining necessary approvals from the Landmarks Preservation and Public Design Commissions. The Akerman team also managed the disposition process and negotiated both the development agreement and ground lease with the City of New York.
This landmark project will create a vibrant community hub featuring cultural, recreational, and workforce development spaces while delivering essential affordable housing and substantial economic opportunities for Bronx residents.
