Cranston Street Armory

Cranston Street Armory is a military building in the Broadway District featuring thick yellow brick walls, crenellated corner turrets, and a cavernous central drill hall the size of two football fields. The structure spans 165,000 square feet with interior spaces designed to accommodate large gatherings and military exercises.

The building was completed in 1907 by architects William R. Walker & Son as a facility for the Rhode Island National Guard. State authorities took control of it in 1996 after it had served military purposes for nearly a century.

The main hall became a gathering place for indoor track competitions and local events that shaped community life for generations. People came together here to celebrate achievements and create memories that stayed with them long after they left.

The building is currently not open to visitors due to ongoing structural concerns that prevent safe access to the interior. You can view the impressive exterior architecture and design from the surrounding streets in the Broadway District.

The massive central drill hall rises about 90 feet high and was later discovered as a filming location for movie productions. Filmmakers valued its towering interior spaces and architectural character for capturing dramatic scenes on camera.

Location: Providence

Architects: William R. Walker & Son

Part of: Broadway-Armory Historic District

GPS coordinates: 41.81611,-71.42944

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44