32nd St. and Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia Armory, Military armory in University City, Philadelphia, United States
The 32nd St. and Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia Armory is a three-story brick structure with Neoclassical details and stone trim. The building was later converted into a squash facility with multiple courts for competitive and recreational play.
The structure was built in 1916 to house the 103rd Engineering Battalion of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. This military unit traced its origins back to the American Revolution era.
The building once served as a military headquarters and later became a public gathering place for sports and entertainment. This transformation shows how a military structure adapted to serve the community in completely different ways.
The facility sits on Lancaster Avenue and houses many courts for squash players and enthusiasts. Check ahead to learn about court availability and how to access the different areas of the building.
This building became the largest squash complex in the United States and drew players from the entire region. Its shift from a purely military facility to a popular sports destination represents a striking change in purpose.
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