Alumni Sports and Recreation Center (Armory)

The Alumni Sports and Recreation Center, commonly known as The Armory, is a historic building located in Troy, New York, owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Originally constructed between 1918 and 1919 as Troy's city armory, it spans over 95,000 square feet and sits on nearly 10 acres of land. RPI acquired the building in 1971 after a lengthy negotiation process that began in 1944. Following its purchase, the facility underwent significant renovations, transforming it into a modern sports and recreation center. Notable features include a gymnasium with synthetic rubber flooring and an eight-lane pool, both funded by generous donations. The center serves as a hub for sports activities and clubs within the RPI community, making it an interesting destination for tourists and researchers interested in the intersection of history, architecture, and collegiate athletics.