A BUILDING WITH A LONG HISTORY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY
1912 marked the year of approval of construction for the Armory building in Athens Ohio for the city’s National Guard company and ground was broken for the project in the spring of 1915. During World War I, the Athens Armory housed Company Land the Machine Gun Company of the Ohio National Guard. Although the Guardsmen were training and fighting overseas, the Athens’ Armory remained in use. The military inducted National Army draftees into service at the Armory and the Ladies Aid Society held benefits for the soldiers in the building. Throughout the building’s history, civilians used it for community events such as dances, fundraisers, boxing matches, and even rummage sales. The last artillery battery left the Armory in 1992 and the Guard sold it to the City of Athens in 1997.
The rise of individuals working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity for the need for remote working spaces for young professionals to work alongside innovative minds. The opportunity to bring a model like this to Athens, Ohio would allow for business innovation, economic growth, professional development experiences for Ohio University students, and something new to bring people into our city.
FUN IN THE SUN
Renovated by the community in 2019, right next door to the Armory is a "pocket park" decorated with a community mural is perfect for fresh air.