I am fascinated with this imposing structure that I had to go see for myself when I learned that a Rhode Island Armory that was built after the turn of the 1900s has been "repurposed" as a working soundstage early in the 21st Century. Isn't it interesting that the Cranston Street Armory, the Providence Armory technically, had such a prominent place in the culture and history in 1907 and now has become a major focus again fueling the motion picture production industry? It's a unique concept and the result of some creative problem solving and community resolve in Rhode Island.




top left: In January 2006, a renovated and updated Armory serves as a soundstage for 100 crew members in preproduction for Walt Disney’s UNDERDOG scheduled to shoot April 1. Photo by Lew Place. top right: Your publisher and Steven Feinberg pose for the Rhode Island Film Office official photographer in front of UNDERDOG currently in preproduction in the Cranston Street Armory. Photo by Lew Place. middle: The Cranston Street Armory Drill Shed. A before photo that depicts a Rhode Island storage depot. Photo courtesy of the Rhode Island Film Office. bottom: Set construction is underway for UNDERDOG. Photo by Lew Place.

I met with Steven Feinberg in January in order to get the whole story. I was amazed to learn that the Providence Armory Soundstage was already occupied by at least 100 Disney production people with major sets under construction for the live-action blockbuster movie UNDERDOG scheduled to start shooting in Rhode Island in early April. I asked Feinberg who has only been at the helm of the Rhode Island Film Office for less than two years how it all came together.

Feinberg filled me in, "Armed with the new film and television production tax incentive law, I continued to aggressively promote our state and was fortunate to convince the Walt Disney Company to forego locations such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal and bring their multi-million dollar family production UNDERDOG exclusively to our Ocean State."

Getting that commitment was a major triumph in itself. It also helped stimulate the rehabilitation of the venerable Cranston Street Armory, which sadly had become a derelict junk yard over the past thirty years (See before Photos). A little Disney "pixie" dust also helped create the magic makeover.

Feinberg partnered up with Rhode Island's helpful Department of Administration and the talented Capital Projects team. Feinberg said this, "I oversaw the $2.5 million renovation, which included the addition of a new sprinkler system, fire and safety code improvements, a high-tech security and alarm mechanism, updated plumbing, phone and T-1 computer lines, significant power upgrades as well as many cosmetic changes."

These substantial improvements were completed in an abbreviated time-frame of three and a half months to accommodate Disney's anticipated December 2005 preproduction team's arrival. In fact, this collaboration was so successful that many members within state government have deemed this rapid renovation "a minor miracle." Feinberg added, "It took dedication and teamwork and it is clearly a project we are all very proud of!"

Voila! The makeover of a working, breathing sound stage so big, so statuesque, so distinctive, you'll think you'll believe you have one foot in the future and one in the past every time you go in. This building has character, reverence, and a history.

Steven Feinberg standing in front of the Cranston Street Armory. He will have an office within one of the towers to better assist visiting and resident filmmakers. Photo by Lew Place.

The Providence Armory is located on Cranston Street between Dexter and Parade Streets in what has been designated the historic Armory District of Providence. It was designed by William R. Walker & Sons Architects and took almost 5 years to build, between 1903-07. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was one of the 10 most endangered historic sites in the U.S.

It's the largest of the 18 historic armories in RI, built to accommodate the newly formed National Guard. The drill shed, 170' x 235', was large enough to allow a full review of a brigade of artillery consisting of 2 battalions, a band, and 1 or more separate companies. At each end of the drill shed, there are 4-story towers housing office space and locker rooms (now production offices). Each tower boasts a grand, circular staircase for access to the upper floors.

Prior to World War I, a Coast Artillery Corps consisting of 16 companies and 2 bands were the principal occupants. After World War I, the 243rd Coast Artillery occupied most of the building. In 1923, they were joined by the 43rd Infantry Division, the 118th Engineer Regiment (C), the 43rd Signal Co., elements of the 118th Medical Regiment, the 118th Quartermaster & Headquarters 43rd Division. Back then, the National Guard drilled 1 night a week and went to active duty for training for 2 weeks in the summer. By staggering the drill nights, all units could be accommodated without interfering with one another.

The size of the drill shed (this is where the new soundstage is) - and its hardwood floor - also made the building ideal for non-military activities. The RI Interscholastic League held their annual high school track meets there. Some of the first auto shows in Providence used the wide expanse of the Armory to debut Model T's, Durants, La Salles and early Chevys. The annual Home Show displayed model houses, outdoor equipment and garages.

All military units stationed in the Armory were called for service during World War II. The 243rd Coast Artillery received their active duty call in Sept., 1940. The other units, part of the 43rd Infantry Division, were called up in Feb. 1941. During the war the RI Militia, formed as a State Guard, made use of the Armory's facilities.

The work begins. Interior sets are being built in the Cranston Street Armory. Photo by Lew Place.

After the war, the National Guard returned. The units, however, were much smaller than before the conflict. In Sept. 1950, units of the 43rd and 705th Battalion were called to duty in the Korean War. Again, the Armory became almost tenantless.

When Governor Del Sesto took office in 1960, the Armory proved an ideal spot for his inaugural ball. As one wag put it, "You could put the whole population of RI in the Armory".

The Armory housed Guard units until 1977, when the State of RI made the decision to vacate the building due to the rising costs of heat, maintenance and security.

In the 1990's, filmmaker Michael Corrente utilized the Armory for his movie OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE, building sets and filming interior scenes in the drill shed. After that, sadly, it became the state's repository for junk and other unused items.

But that has been changed, after a $2.5 million renovation, spearheaded by Steven Feinberg, the Armory is beginning its new life as a soundstage. Approximately 100 crew members are currently occupying the space. By the time principal photography for UNDERDOG commences on April 3, 2006, that number will have doubled to 200 industry professionals occupying offices in the towers and in the enormous basement.

Isn't that a great story?

I want to thank Carol Conley of the Rhode Island Film Office for her assistance compiling and contributing the historical information for this story; and acknowledge Col. Howard F. Brown, US Army Retired for gathering it in the first place in his book "Historic Armories of Rhode Island."

Carol Patton is a former GM of several TV and Radio stations around the country. She is the founder and publisher of IMAGINE and advocates for the region's Film, Television, and New Media production industry.