White Plains Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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White Plains Armory
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The White Plains Armory in winter 2008
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 35 S. Broadway, White Plains, New York |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1909-10 |
| Architect | James E. Ware |
| Architectural style | Castellated |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002796 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1980 |
The White Plains Armory is a historic building located in White Plains, New York. This important structure is found in Westchester County. It was originally built to serve as a military training and storage facility.
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White Plains Armory: A Historic Building
The White Plains Armory is a special building with a long history. It stands at 65 Mitchell Place and 35 South Broadway. This building was created to be an armory for the National Guard. An armory is like a base where soldiers train and keep their equipment.
Building History: From 1909 to Today
Work on the White Plains Armory started in 1909. It was finished in 1910, making it over 110 years old! The building was designed by a skilled architect named James E. Ware. It covers about three-quarters of an acre and has a large space inside.
For many years, different military groups used the armory. From 1910 to 1939, the 49th Separate Company/Company L, which was part of the 10th Infantry Regiment, was based there. Later, other groups like the 106th Infantry Regiment and the 212th Field Artillery also used the building.
The armory also helped the New York State Police for a while. From 1924 to 1929, it was the temporary home for Troop K of the State Police. Their old headquarters had been destroyed by a fire. The police troop moved out in 1929 when their new building in Hawthorne was ready.
A Place of Historical Importance
The land where the White Plains Armory stands is very special. It is the same spot where the first courthouse in the area was located. On July 11, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud there. This happened just days after it was signed in Philadelphia.
Because of its history and unique design, the White Plains Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
From Military Training to Senior Homes
The military stopped using the armory in 1977. After a few years, the building was given a new purpose. In 1982, it was changed into a place called Armory Plaza.
Today, Armory Plaza is a senior housing complex. This means it provides homes for older adults. There is also a senior center on the first floor. This center offers activities and services for seniors in the community.
