The Bedford Union Armory project began when the developer was selected by NYCEDC through a competitive RFP process with the stated goals of creating a community anchor and reviving an underutilized block in an otherwise vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood. The design goals for the Armory portion of the Bedford Union Armory Project were to sensitively preserve as much of the existing building as possible, while adapting the space to incorporate a variety of recreational spaces and the supporting community office space.
Throughout the design process the project has evolved and improved through extensive community engagement and the required public approval process. The overwhelming majority of the changes made to the space through community engagement are programmatic in nature. These changes have had significant impacts on building design and have increased the scope of review by the Public Design Commission. The Bedford Union Armory is now renamed the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center. The former Armory building represents the community facility portion of the larger Bedford Union Armory Project that covers nearly an entire city block in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
The Health & Wellness Community Center occupies the existing Armory, formerly known as the Troop C Armory. The structure was designed in 1903 by Pilcher, Thomas and Tachau. The Drill Hall and the majority of the first floor Head House of the Armory have been thoughtfully restored and developed into a recreational facility open to the local community.