Most, however, were quicker to add their own plans to the “Futures Canvas.” From one side of the room, skate enthusiast Patrick Escandon proposed an indoor skate park and recreation center in the building’s central drill hall, with rec rooms and studio space off to the side. (He has not yet invited the city as a partner on the project, nor has he spoken to Nemerson about it). One, who asked not to be identified, said she is surprised that Yale University has not tried to claim the building.
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That’s my personal opinion.”Ī few attendees were interested in knowing more about possible sources of funding, on which Rubin said his students are still doing exploratory research. He added that “we have to demand that the city stabilize this building immediately. “We’d like to think that there’s a chance for public, private and nonprofit partnerships.” Rubin said. Since that date there have been murmurs about the building’s rebirth, and the city’s Board of Alders has made at least one appeal for state funds. It was handed over to the city after the Foot Guard left in 2009 for the Branford Armory, and has been empty since. In 2000 it was considered for a $50 million Prison Expansion Plan that never came through. Completed for the Connecticut Foot Guard in 1930, the Armory was home to dog, antique, and boat shows and one Black Expo through the 1960s and 1970s, and ground zero for the National Guard when it was summoned to New Haven during the 1970 Black Panthers trial. He is still figuring out the best way to do that, he told the group-but he’s discovered a rich social history of the building that’s made him a fierce advocate for saving it. "Excavating The Armory" includes a partial social history that Rubin and his students have reconstructed. In previous conversations about the building, city Economic Development Administrator Matthew Nemerson has estimated that a complete rehab of the building would cost tens of millions. While Rubin said he does not have a number in mind, comparable armory rehabs across the country have ranged from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
#The few the proud armory series#
He arrived with a series of large boards and posters summarizing the work he and his students have already completed, which includes a timeline and precedent study that is almost finished. Last week, Rubin arrived with a recap, fielding suggestions on where it may go next.
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Last month, Artspace director Helen Kauder asked community members for feedback at a management team meeting, doubling down on a new commitment to the neighborhood. Last month, they presented their findings in the Armory, taking new suggestions from WEB neighbors and CWOS attendees on a giant sheet of paper called a “Futures Canvas.” At that time, Rubin asked both high school and graduate students to reimagine the Goffe Street landmark, drawing on its history and similar precedents across the country (read about that here). “Excavating the Armory” began earlier this year as a commission for Artspace’s annual City-Wide Open Studios (CWOS). Rubin will present the project again this Wednesday, at a monthly Pecha Kucha at Lotta Studio. Paul Bass Photo for the New Haven Independent. The Goffe Street Armory (pictured from Goffe) two winters ago.