Over 100 Years in Adrian MI
Military Service and Community Partnership
The Adrian Armory was built in 1924-25 and opened in early 1926. Early pictures showed cannons and gun turrets in front, demonstrating one of the primary reasons for this structure. However, the Armory was designed and built as a partnership with the Adrian community and the Michigan Department of Military Affairs.
This is the only Armory in the region designed to be utilized by both the community and the military (as evidenced by original features such as a ticket window, balcony, stage, lower-level dressing rooms, etc.). The previous Armory was located in the Grasshopper building on Winter Street. If you look up when you pass by this building and you will see the nameplate that reads, “Armory”.
Bravo (Co B), 1926 infantry regiment assigned to Armory, deployed during World War I and II, for the 1961 Cuba, for the 1968 Detroit riots, among other times. The 156 Signal Corps was installed in 1960 and then disbanded in 2012.
Drill Room: This large space has a stage at the North end with a full catwalk and fly loft above, also a stairwell to the lower-level dressing rooms. The balcony is poured concrete supported by the steel turnbuckle joists with a projector room in the center top. The Drill Room was used by the military to practice drills and was used extensively by the community for all manner of events, including proms, balls, weddings, quinceaneras. political gatherings, business expos, dances, sports events like wrestling (Bobo Brazil), private parties, Holiday events and many, many more events over the decades.
The remainder of the first and upper floors were used for offices and meeting rooms. The lower level of the Armory was used for training, gun range, classrooms, commissary and overnight accommodation for guard members in for the once-a-month weekend training.
The outside rear steel storage buildings housed the military transport vehicles (Humvees) .
The building was maintained until sale in 2017 to local community members. Immediate renovation was started with an effort to bring back this glorious building to original condition (where possible). Currently, it is owned by the Adrian Armory Community Center.