The 107,000-sf building, along the Detroit River, is going to be vacated this year by the U.S. Marines. The military branch uses the space as headquarters for the 1st Battalion, 24th Marine regiment and supporting reservists. These units are moving up to Selfridge Air National Guard base in Harrison Township.
The city has sent out a request for proposals to developers for a renovation project for the historic building. The Armory was built in 1930 along Jefferson Avenue. Inside it was decorated with many art murals and frescoes during the Great Depression as part of Work Progress Administration federal job programs.
"It's our mission, our coordinated effort, to see this armory restored instead of demolished," said Rebecca Binno of the Brodhead Armory Preservation Society. She told GlobeSt.com that her group has worked with the city to establish the property as a historic site. The armory is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Marines, which were responsible for the upkeep of the building, were not able to commit funds for its restoration or conservation.
According to the city request for proposal documentation, the final selection of a developer will be made July 21. Marine officials said they are moving out, though an exact date has not been set. Binno said she was told the move would take place in the fall.
According to Binno, a new owner would have to follow certain rules. "All new development must be reviewed and approved by the Detroit Historic District Commission," Binno said. The building could still be torn down, but the city will encourage developers to reuse the structure, she said.
City officials said the building qualifies as an historic district, which would include federal and income tax credits on the costs of rehabilitation.
The officials also pointed out that the building is at the end of a planned three-mile pathway called the Detroit Riverwalk. New homes and possibly multi-family buildings, or even a commercial/residential facility, may be built on the residentially zoned land, said city officials. The building is currently leased to the state and will revert to the city before the bidding.
The property is on 3.4 acres, next to Gabriel Richard Park. It has held military training schools during World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt spoke at the armory during his first run for the presidency and local boxer Joe Louis fought his first fight there in fall of 1932.
The facility was built by William Stratton, who installed his famous ceramic Pewabic Pottery into the building.
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