Washington Avenue Armory, Albany
The Washington Avenue Armory, officially known as the Washington Avenue Armory Sports and Convention Arena, is a prominent multipurpose arena. With a rich history dating back to its construction in 1890, the Armory was initially built for the Tenth Battalion of the New York National Guard and was designed by the notable state architect Isaac Perry. The venue boasts a significant capacity, accommodating up to 4,300 attendees for concerts and conventions, and 3,600 for sports events, making it a central hub for various activities and gatherings in the region.
Over the years, the Armory has been home to several basketball teams, including the Albany Legends of the International Basketball League and the Albany Patroons, who played in both the Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League. This storied venue continues to serve the community, now hosting the Albany All Stars Roller Derby, the Capital Region's original all-girl roller derby team, highlighting its ongoing relevance and adaptability as a sports and entertainment venue.
The Washington Avenue Armory is notable not only for its functional versatility but also for its architectural significance and historical value. Its historical significance was recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 2, 1995.
Constructed entirely of brick with brownstone trim sourced from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the Washington Avenue Armory exemplifies the Romanesque architectural style. This design choice, common for public buildings in the late 19th century, particularly state armories, imbued the structure with the appearance of a medieval castle. The Romanesque style was more than just an aesthetic preference; it conveyed a sense of strength and authority, essential for buildings associated with government and military functions.
Over the years, the Armory has been home to several basketball teams, including the Albany Legends of the International Basketball League and the Albany Patroons, who played in both the Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League. This storied venue continues to serve the community, now hosting the Albany All Stars Roller Derby, the Capital Region's original all-girl roller derby team, highlighting its ongoing relevance and adaptability as a sports and entertainment venue.
The Washington Avenue Armory is notable not only for its functional versatility but also for its architectural significance and historical value. Its historical significance was recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 2, 1995.
Constructed entirely of brick with brownstone trim sourced from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the Washington Avenue Armory exemplifies the Romanesque architectural style. This design choice, common for public buildings in the late 19th century, particularly state armories, imbued the structure with the appearance of a medieval castle. The Romanesque style was more than just an aesthetic preference; it conveyed a sense of strength and authority, essential for buildings associated with government and military functions.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albany. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Washington Avenue Armory on Map
Sight Name: Washington Avenue Armory
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albany, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Albany
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albany Introduction Walking Tour
Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Albany's Historical Buildings Tour
Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city’s architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany’s role as a key political and cultural center.
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles