What would you say if I told you there used to be a castle on Park Avenue in the heart of lavish Murray Hill?

*The 71st Regiment Armory in 1900 - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

The 71st Regiment's original armory (built in 1894) was destroyed in a fire in February of 1902 along with the Park Avenue Hotel.

*The aftermath of the 1902 fire - Photo: NYPL Digital Archive*

Their new home opened in 1902 and cost $650,000 to construct, $20 million today. Designed by the renowned firm Clinton and Russell, who were known for iconic structures like The Broad Exchange Building, The Level Club, and The Apthorp Apartments, this castle-like edifice sprawled across the entirety of Park Avenue, spanning from 33rd to 34th Streets. It had a 236-foot tall tower which seemed a bit out of place but The New York Times noted that it was "modeled after the famous Torre del Mangia Town Hall tower of Siena, Italy."

*The new 71st Regiment Armory - Photo: Library of Congress*

The place was massive with a drilling room, brigade headquarters, gym, showers, baths, bowling alley and billiards room. Throughout its 70 year history it would not just be used for military purposes but for exhibitions and conventions… think Javits Center, but on a smaller scale.

NOTE: This image fascinates me because it was before the city graded the street as you can see from the staircase leading up to 34th Street as seen on the left. Today, this block of Park Avenue has a gentle incline after the grade adjustment in 1916.

*This shot looking south from 35th Street is awesome. - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

*Take note of the car in the distance. - Photo: Library of Congress*

The 71st New York Infantry Regiment, also known as “The American Guard”, were founded in 1850 and were called to action in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. These guys were no joke and were awarded numerous war related awards.

*This photo blows my mind. We are looking east on 34th Street toward Park Avenue... no traffic. - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

*The 1960's. - Photo: Library of Congress*

Its end came in 1971 when it was demolished to build the 42 story orange brick (and in my opinion, atrocious) Norman Thomas High School.

The 6 Train (NYC's first subway line) was built very close to the armory. When it was demolished they left a bit of a memento... so the next time you're taking the 33rd Street 6 Train head to the northern entrance and admiore the old architecture of a time long gone.

The 71st Regiment Armory

The Heckscher Playground

St. Paul’s Chapel