Iconic Armory Could See Potential Shutdown

The armory restoration group has raised nearly $2 million to renovate the town-owned building

A nonprofit group that restored the Westerly Armory in Rhode Island says it will close the 114-year-old building in 2016 unless Westerly officials provide $50,000.

The Westerly Sun reports that Roberta Mudge Humble, president of Westerly Armory Restoration Inc., addressed the Town Council Wednesday.

The group, which restored the armory and has kept it open since 1993, requested $35,000, which was cut to $25,000 by Town Manager Michelle Buck. Humble says operating costs are $75,000 a year.

She said the armory restoration group has raised nearly $2 million to renovate the town-owned building, but is unable to seek grants because of a prohibitive debt load.

Councilor Philip Overton asked Humble to consider opening the facility on weekends in addition to its two-day-per-week visiting hours.

The armory organization also rents the building for community events and weddings.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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