TheMinneapolis Armoryis a historic event center and formerNational Guardarmory located indowntown Minneapolis, Minnesota,United States. Built by thePublic Works Administrationin 1936, the building was occupied by several Army and Naval Militia units of theMinnesota National Guardfrom its opening until 1985.[4]The building is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.[3]
Minneapolis Armory | |
Minneapolis Landmark
| |
 The Minneapolis Armory in 2006 | |
   | |
| Location | 500–530 6th St., S. Minneapolis, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°58′30.33″N93°15′47.8″W/ 44.9750917°N 93.263278°W |
| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1935–1936 |
| Built by | C.H. Peterson & Co., Inc. and Paul Steenberg Const. Co.[2] |
| Architect | Philip C. Bettenburg[2] |
| Engineer | Walter H. Wheeler[2] |
| Architectural style | PWA Moderne |
| Website | armorymn.com |
| NRHP referenceNo. | 85002491[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 26 September 1985[3] |
| Designated MPLSL | 2017 |
In addition to its military use, the armory hosted sporting events, political conventions, and music concerts. It was the home arena of theMinneapolis Lakersof theNBA(now theLos Angeles Lakers) during the 1959–1960 season and part-time home from 1947 through 1959. The armory held 8,000 people for basketball.[5]Later used as a parking facility, the armory underwent renovations and was turned into an 8,400-person events center and concert venue.[6]Since its reopening in 2018, it has hosted numerous musical performances, including during the weekend ofSuper Bowl LII.
History
editThe armory was the costliest single building in Minnesota supported by aPublic Works Administrationgrant. The building is an example of thePWA Modernestyle, a design characterized by strong geometry, bold contouring and integrated sculpture ornamentation.[7]The building was designed by St. Paul architect P.C. Bettenburg, who was also a major in the Minnesota National Guard.[8]St. Paul artistElsa Jemnepainted murals in the building.[9]
From the late 1930s through the 1970s, in addition to serving as an armory for Minnesota National Guard units based in Minneapolis, it was a venue for civic events, including concerts,political conventionsand sporting events such asGolden Glovestournaments. The building was used by theMinneapolis Lakersof theNational Basketball Associationas a part-time home between 1947 and 1959,[7]and as its primary home court for the1959–60 NBA season.[10][11] Professional motorcycle racing took place inside the Armory during the winter months from 1968 through 1980. The Minnesota National Guard was still operating at the armory as late as 1985.[7]
Hennepin Countybought the armory in 1989 for $4.7 million, with plans to demolish it and place a new county jail on the site.[8]TheMinnesota Historical Societysued to stop its destruction and in 1993, theMinnesota Supreme Courtruled that the structure was protected by state law, and could not be torn down because of its historical status.[12]In 1998, the county sold the building for $2.6 million to a private company for use as aparkingstructure on condition that it be preserved.[7]
In 2015, the Armory was purchased by a local development firm for $6 million.[13]The building was converted from a parking facility to an 8,400-capacity[14]events center and concert venue.[6]It reopened in January 2018 in time to host several events related toSuper Bowl LII.
The building was designated a Minneapolis historic landmark in 2017.
The venue hostedNXT Deadlinein December 2024.
Concerts
editMinneapolis Armory has hosted numerous concerts with bands such asDeadmau5,Dua Lipa,Falling in Reverse,Halsey,Judas Priest,Huddy,Motionless in White,Megadeth,Machine Gun KellyandPink.
Prince used the Armory to film his music video "1999" from the eponymous album in 1982.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"National Register Information System – (#85002491)".National Register of Historic Places.National Park Service.July 9, 2010.
- ^abcMinnesota Modern Registry,Docomomo US MN, accessed April 18, 2023.
- ^abNord, Mary Ann (2003).The National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota: A Guide.St. Paul, Minn.: Minnesota Historical Society Press. p.95.ISBN0-87351-448-3.
- ^"The Armory - Minneapolis Riverfront News - Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods".millcitytimes.com.Retrieved2022-10-02.
- ^https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-20-sp-24223-story.html
- ^abBlack, Sam."Ned Abdul buys Minneapolis Armory, plans entertainment center".bizjournals.com.Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal.Retrieved2 July2015.
- ^abcdHennepin County Fact Sheets:Archived2006-10-23 at theWayback MachineMinneapolis Armory[permanent dead link]
- ^abMillett, Larry(2007).AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul.Minnesota Historical Society Press.p. 75.ISBN0-87351-540-4.
- ^McGlauflin, ed.,Who's Who in American Art 1938–1939 "vol.2, The American Federation of Arts, Washington, D.C., 1937 p. 274
- ^Thornley, Stew (1989).The History of the Lakers: Basketball's Original Dynasty.Minneapolis, Minn.: Nodin Press. p. 68.ISBN0-931714-39-7.
- ^Gustavo, Solomon (September 7, 2016)."The Armory: Remains of Minnesota sporting glory".MinnPost.
- ^Millett, Larry(2007).AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul.Minnesota Historical Society Press.p. 66.ISBN0-87351-540-4.
- ^Painter, Kristen Leigh."Armory in downtown Minneapolis sold to developer who plans events venue".Star Tribune.Retrieved2 July2015.
- ^Uren, Adam."Deadmau5 announces concert at The Armory in Minneapolis".Bring Me the News.Retrieved31 May2018.
External links
edit
Media related toMinneapolis Armoryat Wikimedia Commons
