One of the top questions we get as the Downtown Brookings organization is "What's going on with the old Armory?" We sat down with Angela Boersma, owner of ID8 Architecture (located at 418 Main), to give you the inside scoop! The development project is spearheaded by Linchpin Corporation and the design is led by the ID8 Architecture team led by Angela.
First a little history, the armory was built in 1937 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. “When we were taking down the ceiling, there was a letter from an army colonel for a recruitment class for new enlistees,” shared Angela. Some of the items found in the walls and ceilings will be framed and incorporated into the design. “Letting people experience the history and know the story of this building is part of what’s exciting about reusing it.” Because of its historic nature and the use of historic tax credits, work on the building has had to be approved by the National Parks Service, including the interior and exterior, which brings pretty stringent rules.
The building also had extensive water damage and environmental remediation needs. The basement has had all asbestos remediated and a variety of techniques will be used to address lead paint and shooting range residue. All of the windows will be restored to the original size. Dehumidifiers and air filtration have been running constantly until permanent HVAC is installed.
So what will the remodeled building look like and how will it be used?
The gym/auditorium will be an event space for weddings, corporate events, and conferences with dinner-style seating up to approximately 400 people. The ceiling bow-string truss structure has been exposed (as seen in the background of this photo). The gym floor has significant water damage but options are being explored for restoration vs removal.
The basement of the Armory will be converted into The Foxtrot Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge with a moody speakeasy feel and a full menu of elevated Midwest comfort food, including intentional offerings for dietary restrictions. The restaurant will seat around 120 people.
A hotel will be built off the back of the gym/auditorium with 73 rooms, a fitness center, and a business center. The hotel is partnered with IHG, a hotel corporation. It is intended to be IHG’s Hotel Indigo brand. “Part of the ethos of this property and the IHG Hotel Indigo brand is that it specifically features local products and businesses, like coffee, wine, spirits, and produce. The ability to prominently feature local small businesses is something we’re really excited about.”
The fourth floor of the new addition will feature smaller event spaces, named Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, and a cocktail lounge named The Delta. It’ll seat 80 with 20 seats on a rooftop patio.
When will the project be complete?
Angie shared, “The lack of available sub-contractors in a few specific areas means that we have to wait till spring to break ground on the hotel. The current projected opening date is aiming for fall of 2025.” While the building held a number of difficult construction-related surprises, the roof trusses and basement concrete are in much better shape than originally thought. “It reaffirms the decision to reuse this building.”
We saved the biggest question for last. What about parking?
To address the hot-button topic, Angie enthusiastically declared “Parking is being handled, don’t worry!”
Final renderings are being done now and will be available to view soon! Watch the ID8Architecture Facebook page for updates.