Naval Reserve Armory

Seattle, United States

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

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In the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, the Naval Reserve Armory stands as a monumental concrete structure built between 1941 and 1942 by the Works Progress Administration. Designed by architects William R. Grant and B. Marcus Priteca, the building exemplifies Moderne and Art Deco architectural styles. Its centerpiece is a vast 133-by-100-foot drill hall where the U.S. Naval Reserve trained thousands of recruits for World War II service. The project, which ultimately cost $500,000 and drew funding from the WPA, the state, and the University of Washington, was dedicated on July 4, 1942, during a pivotal moment of the war. The building occupies a site formerly used by the Eastern Mill and has become emblematic of Depression-era work relief and wartime mobilization. After decommissioning following the war, the armory was transferred to Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department in 2000 and has served as home to the Museum of History and Industry since 2012. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.