Once a castle-like drill hall, now a place to live and gather—the Armory blends historic character with modern comfort. JCL’s restoration preserves the story while opening the doors to apartments and an event space made for Sharon today.
Jim Landino purchased the Armory in 2015 and began a comprehensive renovation.
What we discovered & addressed
The gymnasium/drill hall ceiling was opened to the rafters (not the hoped-for oak beams!).
Hidden structural posts were dangerously rotted and were reinforced or replaced.
Life-safety and comfort upgrades included new bathrooms and a full sprinkler system.
The ground floor received a new poured concrete slab with in-floor radiant heat.
Much of the newer front section has been remodeled to work better with the historic massing.
Where it stands
As of Spring 2020, five apartments were completed and leased.
A flexible event/community space is open and available to rent for classes, gatherings, and parties.
Jim Landino purchased the Armory in 2015 and began a comprehensive renovation.
What we discovered & addressed
The gymnasium/drill hall ceiling was opened to the rafters (not the hoped-for oak beams!).
Hidden structural posts were dangerously rotted and were reinforced or replaced.
Life-safety and comfort upgrades included new bathrooms and a full sprinkler system.
The ground floor received a new poured concrete slab with in-floor radiant heat.
Much of the newer front section has been remodeled to work better with the historic massing.
Where it stands
As of Spring 2020, five apartments were completed and leased.
A flexible event/community space is open and available to rent for classes, gatherings, and parties.
In 1898, when President William McKinley called for volunteers for the Spanish–American War, local citizens formed the Buhl Independent Rifles. The unit trained for roughly 40 years. Though it never deployed as a company, it was the first independent unit to volunteer for World War I—and 85 of its 125 members ultimately served in the armed forces.
After years of drilling in rented halls, the Rifles commissioned a three-story armory on what is now Sharpsville Avenue. Designed by Sharon architect E. E. Clepper, the building was dedicated in 1905 with space for military drills as well as social and civic events.
A 1937 front addition preserved most of the original, castle-like character. A later alteration squared off the façade and brought it to the sidewalk, diminishing some of that distinctive presence.
In 1898, when President William McKinley called for volunteers for the Spanish–American War, local citizens formed the Buhl Independent Rifles. The unit trained for roughly 40 years. Though it never deployed as a company, it was the first independent unit to volunteer for World War I—and 85 of its 125 members ultimately served in the armed forces.
After years of drilling in rented halls, the Rifles commissioned a three-story armory on what is now Sharpsville Avenue. Designed by Sharon architect E. E. Clepper, the building was dedicated in 1905 with space for military drills as well as social and civic events.
A 1937 front addition preserved most of the original, castle-like character. A later alteration squared off the façade and brought it to the sidewalk, diminishing some of that distinctive presence.
Contact: Haley Valenly — haley@jcldevelopment.com