Historic Duluth Armory Celebrates One Final Time Before Renovations

DULUTH, Minn. — Originally meant for the armed reserves the Historic Duluth Armory has a rich history that coincides with the arts and culture. But since its closure in the late 70s, the building has turned into a shell of its former self. In recent years there has been an effort to restore the historic building to its former glory. But this past Saturday showed that the Armory is far from being forgotten.

“The armory was built in 1915 as a National Guard Armory, and also with the naval militia. And the intent of armories when they were built all over the country, were for community use, in addition to the military component,” said Michelle Miller, the co-executive director of The Armory Arts & Music Center. “And musicians of all kinds throughout the years, performed on our stage, international acts, local acts, and everything in between everyone from Liberace to Sonny and Cher, Johnny Cash Patsy Cline, and, of course, the great Bob Dylan.”

It’s been years since the Historic Duluth Armory has had life to fill the empty and decrepit halls. The once lively building was known for its military balls, serving as an part-time entertainment venue while still maintaining its full-time militia.

But all of that is about to change as for one final night, the Armory sang and danced like it did decades prior to its closure in 1978.

“This is the first time that the community has been welcomed,” said Miller. “And, and this has been open for a performance on the historic stage. And so that’s really, really exciting to show what it is now and then get excited for what it’s going to be once the renovation is done.”

The Armory Arts & Music Center is leading the restoration project. They hope to fully restore and reopen the Armory as arts, culture, entertainment, and business center in 2026.

“The funding is really critical to bring back old buildings such as this,” said Mark Poire, the co-executive director of The Armory Arts & Music Center. “We have a number of grants, we’ve got some private donations that have come in. It’s over $50 million to do the whole building. And, you know, we’re excited to be starting this fall on getting that first work done in the here and the and then following it up in the early to 25.”

The Historic Duluth Armory originally opened in 1915. Over the years, it housed circuses and classic car shows, supplied shelter to Cloquet and Moose Lake residents during the 1918 fires, and even saw a few presidential visits from Harry S. Truman and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wife Eleanor.

“The one that caught me was, of course, the Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan connection,” explained Poirie. “Waylon Jennings was with Buddy Holly on that tour. And he was one of those gentlemen, I’m not sure if he was the one that flipped the coin, but the famous story about that last seat on the airplane where they flip the coin and, Richiede to balance I think, lost that one and ended up on the plane.”

“The 60s was when it really slowed down but there were still some acts here and the guests who band before their first album was released. They played here at the armory before they were well known nationwide internationally,” explained Miller. “And when they built the new armory, up the hill, so this closed as an active military Armory in 1978.”

But even after decades, hundreds stopped by Saturday’s reunion party. Showcasing the community’s support for the historic site.

“We are going to honor the past and the Duluth Armory is on the national Register of Historic Places. So there are components of the building that need to be restored and retained,” said Miller. “But we this is not going to be a museum, this is going to be an active piece of the community. This drill Hall will once again become an event center, honoring and in the next generation of musicians, musicians and performers here on the historic stage.”