Effort to Transform Historic Armory in Fairmount Park into Vibrant Public Space Moves Forward With $2.5 Million in Federal Funds

Published: 8/16/2024

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Aug. 16, 2024

           

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Effort to Transform Historic Armory in Fairmount Park into Vibrant Public Space Moves Forward With $2.5 Million in Federal Funds

Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson and Rep. Mark Takano met recently to map future efforts

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The effort to transform the historic National Guard Armory at Fairmount Park into a vibrant public space at a prominent entrance to downtown Riverside is moving forward after Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson worked with Rep. Mark Takano to obtain $2.5 million in federal funds.

The armory project is critical to rejuvenating the north side of Fairmount Park and a key component of Lock Dawson’s “Put the River Back in Riverside” effort. Built in 1959, the 12,000-square-foot armory sits on 4.67 acres near Highway 60 and includes 32,000 square feet of parking.

“The Santa Ana River is Riverside’s great untapped natural beauty,” Lock Dawson said. “And as a major entry point for our city, Fairmount Park provides an opportunity for our residents and visitors to explore the river and all its natural beauty. We greatly appreciate Rep. Takano’s efforts to bring these federal resources to our city.”

The $2.5 million in Community Project Funding will help pay for the environmental cleanup of potential soil contamination, building stabilization, and renovations that are required to convert the building into a multiuse arts and recreation building. A rejuvenated armory will improve access to cultural and park activities for surrounding low- and moderate-income neighbors.

“Fairmount Park is an incredible resource for Riversiders, and breathing life back into the armory building would only add to that,” Takano said. “I’m proud to have been able to assist the City in obtaining funds for this very worthy effort.”

The “Put the River Back in Riverside” effort was strongly endorsed by the Santa Ana River Working Group, made up of community members and City officials, including City Councilmember Steve Hemenway and former Councilmember Erin Edwards, with additional support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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