LYNN — The Lynn Armory is on its way to becoming a home for veterans with Friday’s ceremony transferring the castle-like building from the state to the city.
The new owner is Neighborhood Development Associates Inc., an arm of the nonprofit Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND). Charles J. Gaeta, LHAND executive director, said planning is underway to transform the armory int 35 apartments for veterans.
Construction could begin as soon as next yearn the 123-year-old red brick facility on South Common Street. The Romanesque-style building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
But Gaeta said money first needs to be raised to pay for the project.
“We need help from a lot of people,” he said.
Gov. Charlie Baker presided over Friday’s ceremony. He credited Mayor Thomas M. McGee and the city’s Beacon Hill delegation in pushing for the housing project and shepherding the land transfer through the Legislature.
“Lynn has chosen to put an armory to work for veterans,” said Baker.
