HYANNIS – Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells is looking to begin the process of revitalizing the National Guard Armory Building in Hyannis as soon as possible.
After the Barnstable Town Council approved a three-phase renovation project last year, Ells has been in discussions with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance regarding a requested $1.6 million in state funds for improvements.
Ells also met at the State House with State Representative Will Crocker and Senator Julian Cyr, along with staff members of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, in regards to the release of the funds.
“I will continue the discussions, but I hope to get closure this calendar year, because we need to make some decisions on this one,” Ells said.
“It’s been too long, so it’s time for us to move on it.”
Ells said he has followed up with Senator Cyr’s office in regards to the status of the funding.
The plan is to create a space for municipal use in the armory, which was the site of John F. Kennedy’s presidential acceptance speech in 1960. Arts and cultural components would be implemented in the renovations.
At this point, Ells explained that hazmat cleanups are being completed and bid documents are being prepared.
“We’re ready to move to the first phase of renovation to that facility, but determining whether we’re going to get any of this $1.6 million or not will determine how we proceed with this project,” Ells said.
The armory was originally used by the Massachusetts Army National Guard before transferring control to the town in 2008.
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