The Veterans' Room, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Associated Artists, and architect Stanford White, was completed in 1881. Between 1909 and 1914, the armory was remodeled and renovated by Robinson and Kunst (a New York City firm). Among the changes include addition of the fourth story and removal of belfry above the center tower. A fifth story was added and other interior alterations were completed in 1913 by A. H. Davenport Company. In 2010, the Lexington Avenue facade was restored.
Prior to construction of this armory, the 7th Regiment occupied the following locations:
The Park Avenue facade of the Seventh Regiment Armory evokes the fortified palazzi of north Italian city-states from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The proportions of the three square towers (the central tower was originally topped by a two-story open bell tower) as well as the insistently flat surfaces of pressed red brick and granite trim mark the building as a High Victorian production. The entryway of bronze gates and six-inch thick oak doors with musket ports is large enough to allow a four abrest formation to march in and out of the building. The architect was Charles W. Clinton, a veteran of the Regiment and a student of Richard Upjohn, and the premier Gothic revivalist in the United States. Clinton’s later work, executed in partnership with William Hamilton Russell, centered on skyscraper design influenced to a certain degree by the Chicago architect Louis Sullivan.
This is the only armory in the United States to be built and furnished with private funds. The interior is distinguished by two features; a large drill floor, covered by an impressive iron roof, and the lavish Veteran’s Room and adjoining library (known today as the Trophy Room), designed by a group of artists working under the direction of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Other designers who contributed to the building included the Herter Brothers, Alexander Roux, Pottier & Stymus, Kimbel & Cabus, and Marcotte & Company.
In 1909, a floor was added to the administration area; in 1930 a fifth floor was added and the third and fourth floors were redone. The first and second floors, however, are unchanged. A landscaped areaway behind a low railing surrounds the building on all but the Lexington Avenue side. The Armory is a National Historic Landmark.
The Seventh Regiment was formed in 1806. It has a long list of battle honors (including service in the War of 1812, The Civil War, and both World Wars). During public disturbances (such as the civil riots of the 1830s and 40s) the Regiment controlled and subdued civilian crowds and protected private and city property from looting and vandalism. For a complete history of the Seventh Regiment see our historical article titled "The 7th NY and the Naming of the National Guard."
Other armories in New York City:
New York City: 5th Avenue Armory - 369th Regiment
New York City: 7th Avenue State Arsenal
New York City: Broadway Armory - 22nd Regiment
New York City: Columbus Avenue Armory - 12th Regiment
New York City: Fort Washington Avenue Armory
New York City: Lexington Avenue Armory - 69th Regiment
New York City: Madison Avenue Armory - Squadron A
New York City: Park Avenue Armory - 8th Regiment
New York City: Park Avenue Armory - 71st Regiment (1894-1902)
New York City: Park Avenue Armory - 71st Regiment (1906-1971)
New York City: West 14th Street Armory - 9th Regiment
New York City: West 14th Street Armory - 22nd Regiment
New York City: West 14th Street Armory - 42nd Division
New York City: West 66th Street Armory - 1st Battery
New York City: White Street Arsenal (at Elm, Center and Franklin Streets)
New York City: Historic Rental Facilities
