Jersey City Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jersey City Armory |
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| 678 Montgomery Street Jersey City, New Jersey |
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Facade on Montgomery Street from corner of Summit Avenue
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| Type | Armory |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | New Jersey National Guard |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1934–1936 |
| Architect | Kelly & Gruzen |
| In use | 1937–present |
| Materials | Granite and brick |
The Jersey City Armory is a special building in Jersey City, New Jersey. It's used by the U.S. Army National Guard for training. An armory is like a military base where soldiers train and store equipment.
This armory was finished in 1937. It was designed by a famous architect named Hugh A. Kelly. The building has a beautiful style called Beaux-Arts.
Besides military use, the armory is also a big sports arena. Many events like boxing, basketball, and track and field happen here. Recently, it has even hosted mixed martial arts events.
The armory is also used by the city for community events and sports programs for kids. Sometimes, it even becomes a film studio for movies!
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History of the Jersey City Armory
The armory you see today replaced an older building. The first armory was built in 1895. It was located in the McGinley Square area of Jersey City.
Sadly, a big fire destroyed the old armory on June 17, 1927. After the fire, parts of the old building's entrance were moved. You can still see them today at Pershing Field Park in the Jersey City Heights.
Building the New Armory (1934-1936)
The current Jersey City Armory was built between 1934 and 1936. This was during the Great Depression, a time when many people needed jobs. The project was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program that created jobs by building public works.
General Hugh A. Kelly designed the armory. He was a friend of the mayor at the time, Frank Hague. The building cost over $1 million to build, which was a lot of money back then!
What the Armory Looks Like
The armory is a three-story building with a Beaux-Arts style. It has brick walls and fancy terra cotta decorations. You can see military symbols on the second floor.
On Montgomery Street, you can read "New Jersey National Guard" carved into the stone. The main entrance has a huge iron gate. The armory is the largest in New Jersey, with a huge interior space of 175,000 square feet!
Inside, the armory was designed for different military groups. It has a large drill hall for training. There are also many rooms for soldiers and equipment.
Armory Upgrades and Changes
Over the years, the armory has been updated. In 1987 and 1998, it was renovated to create space for the Jersey City Youth Center. This center offers educational and self-development programs for young people.
Between 2005 and 2009, the armory got a big $5.7 million makeover. This turned it into a modern sports arena. They added a new running track, a basketball court, better lighting, and a scoreboard. New restrooms and locker rooms were also built.
Exciting Events at the Armory
The New Jersey National Guard has many armories, and some are used for fun, non-military activities. The Jersey City Armory is famous for hosting many exciting events.
Sports Events and Famous Athletes
The armory has a long history with sports, especially boxing. Many famous boxers have fought here. These include James J. Braddock, known as the Cinderella Man, Sonny Liston, and Chuck Wepner. Even Muhammad Ali had an exhibition match here in 1979!
In 2010, mixed martial arts events started happening at the armory. It also hosts professional wrestling shows.
Basketball is also a huge part of the armory's history. The famous St. Anthony High School team played many games here. Their coach, Bob Hurley, helped bring about the armory's basketball court renovations.
Since 2005, the armory has hosted the annual Dan Finn Classic. This is a day of high school basketball games. It honors Dan Finn, a young man who helped four people by being an organ donor after he passed away.
Saint Peter's University also used the armory for its home basketball games before 1975. After the renovations, they returned for some big games. In 2007, the Saint Peter's Peacocks beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights here.
The armory also hosts many track meets every year for local and state competitions.
Community Gatherings and Help
The armory is also a place for the community to come together. In 2004, a memorial service for Jersey City mayor Glenn Dale Cunningham was held here. Thousands of people attended.
In 2006, a funeral for Police Officer Robert Nguyen took place at the armory. He died while on duty. The ceremony included traditional bagpipes and Buddhist monks.
In October and November 2012, the armory became an emergency shelter. Hundreds of Jersey City residents stayed there after Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of damage. The New Jersey Air National Guard helped by providing beds, showers, food, and security.
In November 2022, the armory hosted Art Fair 14C. This is the biggest visual arts event in New Jersey.
Armory as a Film Studio
Because of its large size, the armory has been used as a temporary studio for many movies and music videos. Some films made here include A Bronx Tale, Deconstructing Harry, and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.
Finding the Jersey City Armory
The armory is in the McGinley Square neighborhood of Jersey City. It's near other important places like the historic Beacon residential complex and Saint Peter's University.
The Journal Square Transportation Center is nearby. You can take the PATH train from there to places like Newark, Hoboken, and Manhattan. Buses also stop right outside the armory on Montgomery Street.
See also
