Assemblyman Stefani Zinerman
Office of Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman
Assemblyman Stefani Zinerman
A major milestone has been reached in the effort to transform the historic Marcus Garvey Armory into a vibrant community destination for Central Brooklyn. Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman announced a $10 million state investment that will help move the redevelopment project forward, supporting future plans for cultural programming, recreation, workforce training, entrepreneurship, nonprofit collaboration, and public gathering space. Community leaders, stakeholders, and development partners highlighted the project as a long-term investment in opportunity, economic growth, and neighborhood revitalization shaped by extensive resident input.
Assemblymember Zinerman Announces $10 Million State Investment for Marcus Garvey Armory Redevelopment
BROOKLYN, NY (June 23, 2026) — Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman, joined by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, community leaders, philanthropic partners, and project stakeholders, today announced a historic $10 million New York State investment to advance the redevelopment of the Marcus Garvey Armory—also known as “The Castle”—into a transformative community hub serving Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, and Central Brooklyn.
The announcement, held at the nation’s first Community Development Corporation, Restoration Plaza in Bedford-Stuyvesant, marked a significant milestone in the long-standing community-driven effort to reimagine the 220,000-square-foot historic building as a center for arts and culture, recreation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit collaboration.
The investment will support continued planning and development to move the project into its next phase of implementation, bringing the long-term community vision for the Armory closer to reality.
Speaker Carl E. Heastie emphasized the importance of local partnership and community-informed investment. “This is state money. This is your money,” said Speaker Heastie. “We always believe that local elected officials know their districts better than large state agencies. That gives us the ability and capacity to make those investments in the right places. Assemblymember Zinerman has been a great partner and a great representative for the 56th District.”
Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman said the investment reflects years of community visioning and engagement. “Our residents have always imagined something greater for this space,” said Assemblymember Zinerman. “For the past few years, we have asked residents what they would like the armory to become. Today, because of this $10 million investment, we move one step closer to making that vision a reality.”
Stevenson Dunn, Chair of the Marcus Garvey Armory Community Advisory Council, described the announcement as a pivotal moment in the building’s long community history. “For generations, the 13th Regiment Armory/Marcus Garvey Armory (also known as The Castle) has belonged to the people of Bed-Stuy,” said Dunn. “Today we have reached a pivotal milestone ensuring it serves the community once again.”
The redevelopment plan, shaped through extensive community engagement, envisions a range of potential uses and program areas for the Marcus Garvey Armory, including:
● Cultural arts programming and performance space
● Sports and recreation facilities
● Workforce development and job training opportunities
● Small business support and entrepreneurial incubation
● Space for nonprofit organizations and community services
● Public gathering and multi-use community areas
These concepts reflect an ongoing planning process rooted in community input and stakeholder engagement, with the redevelopment to be further refined as the project advances.
James Johnson-Piett, President and CEO of Urbane Development, described the effort as a deeply community-driven process. “We started with more than 200 ideas from the community and narrowed them through an extensive engagement process to a set of core concepts people could see themselves in,” said Johnson-Piett. “The next phase is about exploring how community stewardship and long-term ownership can be embedded into the structure of the building. This milestone reflects real progress, and we will continue working with residents to ensure they remain at the center of every stage of development.”
Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org, emphasized the importance of listening and community-centered investment. “This process has been grounded in listening and ensuring the community voice leads the work,” said Dr. Rainey. “That approach is what brought us to this moment, and it is what will keep this project accountable to the people it is meant to serve. This is about more than a physical space. It is about opportunity, economic justice, workforce development, and strengthening cultural institutions that create pathways for young people.”
The Marcus Garvey Armory redevelopment represents just one of Assemblymember Zinerman’s broader efforts to invest in Bedford-Stuyvesant’s infrastructure, expand economic opportunity, and preserve historic community assets while adapting them for future generations.
Media Contact
Amber Stephens
Office of Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman
New York State Assembly, District 56
[email protected]
