Slope Armory on Track to Open in September
The long-awaited opening of an athletic center at the Park Slope Armory is set to happen in September, according to Sean Andrews, executive director of the Prospect Park Y. The new, $16 million center that the Y is running was supposed to open early this year, but contractors are still putting the finishing touches on…
The long-awaited opening of an athletic center at the Park Slope Armory is set to happen in September, according to Sean Andrews, executive director of the Prospect Park Y. The new, $16 million center that the Y is running was supposed to open early this year, but contractors are still putting the finishing touches on construction. While the centerpiece of the armory’s renovation is the overhauled drill floor (above), which will be used primarily for track-and-field purposes, Andrews says the Y wants the facility to be a destination for community recreation. To that end, the armory will be outfitted with what Andrews calls 10 “very large” multi-purpose rooms and the Y will offer programs like mom-and-baby yoga at the center. Andrews says that basic membership will cost $40 a month for adults and, as at other Y’s, financial aid will be available. Open houses and tours of the center are supposed to begin soon.
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This does frustrate me. While the place looks great, in my opinion, Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights need a facility like this more than Park Slope – yet the 2 armories in those communities are not open and renovated. Makes me wonder how the City decided to renovate this armory as opposed to other ones.
oh cool. thanks for that info sam!
*rob*
I could be mistaken, Sam but I believe the women’s shelter still takes up part of the space.
Anyone know…?
Rob, for a long time this was a homeless women’s shelter. The back part of the armory, the huge drill room, was used as a movie studio. I went in once when they were filming a Brad Pitt movie. They built a set that looked exactly like a fancy, pre-war Park Avenue penthouse apartment. The “view” was painted on an enormous curtain. It was amazing how convincing the art direction is on big-budget movies.
But the neighbors complained about the movie making, it was disruptive and scores of trucks had to park outside to generate electricity for the lights. The building had nowhere near enough juice. That’s what I know. Now it will be open to the community so that’s a good thing.
$40 a month? – For what?
is there a gym inside with weights and machines and whatnot?
DIBS – exactly what I was thinking. This picture should be used by the CH residents in their fight.
This might be great. Any word from anywhere on other features? B-ball court, weights and all that fun stuff?
quote:
mom-and-baby yoga
hahah. the picture in my mind is making me laugh.
40 dollars a month? that seems high, no? maybe not. how much do regular gym memberships cost?
i wish this building’s use didnt just cater to people who like to exercise, but the community as a whole.
what used to be in this building?
*rob*
Too bad something like this isn’t slated for the Crown heights and Bed Stuy armories.