History

The Armory housed Company B, the 169th Infantry, until the 1960s when it was replaced by the 248th Engineer Company until it closed in the late 1970s when a new armory was built in Norwich, Connecticut. By the 1980s the Willimantic Armory fell into disrepair mirroring Willimantic's crumbling economy and influence showing that the town moved past its prime as one of the leading industrial cities in the state. In 1983, the State Treasurer's office put the building up for auction three times at a minimum price of $117,000, but each time there were no offers. That lack of enthusiasm in purchasing the building continued while the building became more dilapidated. The natural wear and tear began to affect the building as continued rainfall damaged the roof to the extent that it developed leakes and destroyed the interior. Vandals breaking the windows and causing more damager further drove down any demand for the building.  

In March of 1983 State Treasurer Henry E. Parker announced that if there was no bidder, he’d move to turn the building over to the town of Willimantic. Over twenty developers put in their bids. The building was sold to Munro, Jennings, and Doig who converted it into apartments The new owners renovated and refurbished both the inside and outside of the building, while preserving its natural characteristics.