Renovations continue to transform Tyrone Armory into recreation center

TYRONE - The Tyrone Armory is getting a facelift with new owners, a new floor and a new look inside.

But the outside of the building will remain the same.

"The Armory has such a history, it goes back until 1912. Nobody wanted to see it go," said Jim Kilmartin, of Joshua House, the nonprofit renovating the building.

Joshua House's mission focuses on the youth of the area, so leaders decided to transform the unused building into a community recreation center.

"The need for this is tremendous. It is going to serve for a lot of different purposes. It is going to serve for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and deck hockey," Kilmartin said.

In the early 2000s, the Tyrone YMCA closed its doors. Kilmartin said its closure left a void in the community. There was no longer a large facility in the heart of Tyrone. Leaders believe the new Armory will fill the need.

"It will be walking distance for kids, kids will be able to come here after school," Kilmartin said.

The upgrades will include a new kitchen for community dinners and one-day batting cages.

According to Kilmartin, the new basketball floor is very unique. The floor was used as a side court during the NBA's All-Star weekend held in February.

There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Leaders are hopeful to have this court open to the public by the end of the summer.

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