Big Duluth Armory News And Changes

DULUTH, Minn. — Supporters of the Duluth Armory project had several big announcements to make Wednesday.

One of them is that the word went out that contractors can now submit bids for the project, and a final selection will be made by this July. Construction will start late this year and get in full swing next year. Project leaders say the grand opening is now slotted for two years from now.

There was also big leadership news. Executive Director Mark Poirier is stepping back a half step and will eventually be retiring. He’s been part of the effort for over 20 years and has been its leader for a decade.

“Very much a heart for historic preservation. Love the history, love the music history. As soon as I heard about the project and the possibility of them tearing down the Armory I said, ‘well I got to get involved,’ and I met up with a great group of people that were just you know grassroots, group of folks that just wanted the state of the Armory and so many great reasons to do that. You know to create something for the community, to preserve the history and the stories and yeah, we’re on the brink of making it all happen,” said Poirier.

Poirier said one of the greatest joys and pleasures has been collaborating with so many people who shared the same vision.
Fundraising director Michelle Miller will now step up to be co-executive director with Poirier.

“To see it be brought to the community is just really exciting. That we can have concerts in here again. The music will be in this building is very exciting. And that fence will be taken down, that chain link fence. It will be welcoming, and it will be you know a great anchor to this side of London Road, ” said Miller.

Supporters say one bigger event is scheduled for July–before the building is closed off and the construction process gets underway.