Introduction to the Kingsbridge Armory Project
A longstanding Bronx grassroots organization has signed a “revolutionary” agreement with developers of the Kingsbridge Armory, guaranteeing a community ownership stake of up to 20% in the project. Members of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) and development firm 8th Regiment gathered with union workers and elected officials on the armory steps to announce the agreement on June 3, immediately before Community Board 7’s first in-person rezoning hearing at a nearby school.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement promises the creation of two nonprofit-owned “condominiums” in the project’s first phase, which involves transforming the historic armory building into a space for community and economic activity. One would feature a 25,000-square-foot community center offering a range of programs and services, along with a workforce development hub and additional amenities. The second condominium would provide up to 100,000 square feet of space for light manufacturing businesses, prioritizing those who have been displaced from the borough, according to the 8th Regiment.
Project Phases and Components
For the project’s second phase, the agreement also stipulated that the 500-unit affordable housing component will include up to 20,000 square feet of retail space for local businesses. The residences and retail space would be located in a new 16-story building adjacent to the armory, and construction at that height is contingent on the rezoning process known as ULURP approval. In addition, the development team will work with input and oversight from a Community Advisory Council, co-convened by NWBCCC, and a Community Benefit Fund will funnel revenue from the project back into the Kingsbridge area.
Reaction from the Community and Officials
NWBCCC and 8th Regiment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to these details and more, representing “a new model in shared governance,” said Sandra Lobo, executive director of the NBWCCC. “This is a turning point for the armory and for how development can and should be done in the Bronx,” she said at the press conference. Council Member Pierina Sanchez said previous proposals to convert the armory into a mall or skating rink failed due to a lack of community support and accountable development partners. This time, she said, is markedly different.
Hundreds turned out for the public hearing to kick off the armory redevelopment ULURP process on June 3, 2025.Photo Emily Swanson
The Long Process of Development
The process of transforming the armory from dark and empty to a vibrant, multi-use space has already been a long time coming for NWBCCC, whose members have been fighting for responsible and resident-led development of the armory since 1997. The nonprofit submitted its own bid to the city for the project but ultimately lost out to 8th Regiment, which the NYC EDC announced as the winner in Jan. The president of Agallas Equities, another would-be developer that was not selected, has since sued the city and 8th Regiment, alleging improper political influence in the contract awards process. The case remains pending in the New York County Supreme Court.
Future Plans and Concerns
As 8th Regiment moves forward, more plans for the armory are beginning to take shape. The developer has received several letters of interest, most notably from Live Nation, the international entertainment and concert promotion company. However, seeing big concerts or anything else in the armory is still a long way off. Phase one of development is expected to last from 2027 to 2030 and aims to create a mixed-use space with an arena for concerts and events, sports fields, retail, entertainment venues, a food hall and a workforce development site. The second phase, projected to start in late 2027 and end in 2032, will result in 450 to 500 units of affordable housing for residents at 30%, 50%, 70% and 80% AMI ($34,020 per year up to $116,640 per year, at one-quarter of the units for each income level).
Developers and designers explain their preliminary plans at a Community Board 7 public hearing on June 3, 2025. Photo Emily Swanson
Community Involvement and ULURP Process
At the public hearing after the rally, Sanchez said the community must remain involved and active throughout the ULURP process and the years to come. The meeting was a promising start, as nearly 60 people signed up to speak and well over a hundred filled the bleachers and chairs in the KIPP Elementary School gym. In their presentation, planners from 8th Regiment and design firm fxcollaborative emphasized their commitment to environmentally responsible construction and union labor. A representative from fxcollaborative said the main objective in working with such a unique, massive site is to not “mess it up.” He outlined design details and amenities aimed at making the armory more physically accessible, fun and welcoming, but also said, “This is not a project about aesthetics, this is a project about impact.”
Conclusion
The agreement between NWBCCC and 8th Regiment marks a significant step forward in the development of the Kingsbridge Armory, prioritizing community ownership and involvement. As the project moves through the ULURP process and towards groundbreaking, it is crucial for the community to remain engaged and ensure that the development benefits the local residents and businesses. With its mixed-use space, affordable housing, and community facilities, the Kingsbridge Armory project has the potential to become a model for responsible and community-led development in the Bronx.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Kingsbridge Armory project?
- A: The Kingsbridge Armory project involves transforming the historic armory building into a mixed-use space for community and economic activity, including a community center, workforce development hub, light manufacturing businesses, and affordable housing.
- Q: Who is involved in the project?
- A: The project involves the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), development firm 8th Regiment, and various city agencies, including the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC).
- Q: What is the timeline for the project?
- A: Phase one of development is expected to last from 2027 to 2030, with the second phase starting in late 2027 and ending in 2032.
- Q: How can the community get involved?
- A: The community can stay involved through the Community Advisory Council, public hearings, and by contacting local officials and the development team.
- Q: What are the next steps in the ULURP process?
- A: The ULURP process involves several steps, including advisory votes from Community Board 7 and the Borough President, and approvals from the Public Design Commission and Landmarks Preservation Commission, before a final vote by the City Council.
