Zinerman secures $10M in state funding to move forward the redevelopment of Brooklyn’s historic Marcus Garvey Armory, a project designed to transform the long-vacant building into a community-centered destination focused on economic opportunity, cultural programming, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.
Zinerman Secures $10M For Marcus Garvey Armory Redevelopment
Zinerman secures $10M in state funding to advance the long-planned redevelopment of the historic Marcus Garvey Armory in Central Brooklyn, moving a major community-driven project closer to implementation.
Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman announced the investment alongside New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, community leaders, philanthropic partners, and project stakeholders during an event at Restoration Plaza in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Additional details were first outlined in a press release published via NYC Newswire, the funding will support continued planning and development of the Marcus Garvey Armory, also known as “The Castle,” into a multi-purpose community hub serving Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and other Central Brooklyn neighborhoods.
The announcement represents a significant milestone for a project that has been discussed for years as residents and local organizations sought ways to preserve one of Brooklyn’s historic community assets while adapting it for future generations.
Redevelopment Centers On Community Priorities
The 220,000-square-foot armory has been the focus of an extensive community engagement process aimed at identifying uses that reflect neighborhood needs and long-term priorities.
Proposed concepts include:
- Cultural arts programming and performance space
- Sports and recreation facilities
- Workforce development and job training opportunities
- Small business support and entrepreneurial incubation
- Space for nonprofit organizations and community services
- Public gathering and multi-use community areas
Officials say these concepts will continue to evolve as planning moves into the next phase of implementation.
Speaker Carl Heastie emphasized the importance of allowing local leaders to direct public investment toward community priorities.
“This is state money. This is your money,” said Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “We always believe that local elected officials know their districts better than large state agencies. That gives us the ability and capacity to make those investments in the right places. Assemblymember Zinerman has been a great partner and a great representative for the 56th District.”
Years Of Community Visioning Led To The Investment
Assemblymember Zinerman said the funding reflects years of conversations with residents about the future of the armory and its potential role in the community.
“Our residents have always imagined something greater for this space,” said Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman. “For the past few years, we have asked residents what they would like the armory to become. Today, because of this $10 million investment, we move one step closer to making that vision a reality.”
Community leaders described the announcement as an important step toward restoring the building’s role as a public resource for Central Brooklyn.
“For generations, the 13th Regiment Armory/Marcus Garvey Armory (also known as The Castle) has belonged to the people of Bed-Stuy,” said Stevenson Dunn, Chair of the Marcus Garvey Armory Community Advisory Council. “Today we have reached a pivotal milestone ensuring it serves the community once again.”
Project Tied To Economic Opportunity And Community Investment
The redevelopment effort extends beyond the renovation of a historic structure and is increasingly being viewed as an investment in economic opportunity and neighborhood revitalization.
Project partners say the planning process initially generated more than 200 ideas from residents before narrowing them into core concepts that reflected broad community priorities.
“We started with more than 200 ideas from the community and narrowed them through an extensive engagement process to a set of core concepts people could see themselves in,” said James Johnson-Piett, President and CEO of Urbane Development. “The next phase is about exploring how community stewardship and long-term ownership can be embedded into the structure of the building.”
Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org, said the redevelopment remains centered on community input and long-term opportunity.
“This process has been grounded in listening and ensuring the community voice leads the work,” said Dr. Rainey. “This is about more than a physical space. It is about opportunity, economic justice, workforce development, and strengthening cultural institutions that create pathways for young people.”
What Happens Next
The newly announced $10 million state investment will fund continued planning and development work as project leaders refine redevelopment concepts and advance the armory toward implementation.
Officials say community engagement will remain central to the process as plans are further developed and long-term governance structures are explored.
The investment also reflects a broader effort to preserve historic community assets while creating new opportunities for economic development, cultural programming, and neighborhood investment across Central Brooklyn.
What You Want To Know
What is the Marcus Garvey Armory redevelopment project?
The project seeks to transform the historic Marcus Garvey Armory into a community hub featuring arts programming, recreation, workforce development, and community services.
How much funding was announced?
Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman announced a $10 million state investment to move the redevelopment project forward.
Who will benefit from the project?
The redevelopment is intended to serve residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and other Central Brooklyn communities.
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