New York State Armory, 1876 The Armory building was designed to be used as a combination social/drill center, as well as offices and depositories for arms and equipment. During times of national emergency, it was to serve as a fortress, a function expressed by its medieval-castle detailing and massing. The first two Armories (1859, 1876) were designed by local architect Horatio Nelson White. The 1876 structure was adjusted and expanded over the years to accommodate changing needs and functions. The large central section housing the Drill Hall is of steel frame construction. The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (Known as “The MOST”) moved into the Armory after Governor Mario Cuomo authorized the sale of the building to the MDA for $1. However, it was reported in the Post-Standard on 12/15/04 that the museum has suffered operating losses since at least 1994. The paper even reported the museum had been “teetering on the edge of insolvency for two years” and desperately needed $200,000 from the state to avoid shutting down. (Taken with instagram)
