Saved From the Wrecking Ball – Live at the Armory
South Bend on Purpose is a podcast about place, belonging, and South Bend hosted by Jacob Titus and Dustin Mix.
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Welcome to episode six of season three of South Bend on Purpose. This season we’re telling the stories of people who are betting on South Bend by investing new purpose into old spaces, whether that's an old industrial building or a once lively plot of land; people whose internal purpose has manifested itself into a physical part of our city – the streets, parks, buildings, and restaurants of South Bend.
Each episode tells the story of a space in South Bend, and the season is structured around a series of live events where we interview the people behind the projects.
On Monday, August 12th we hosted the final live event at Ironhand Wine Bar inside The Amory. We interviewed Brad and Regina Emberton, the duo behind The Armory's transformation, and enjoyed an evening of eclectic vinyl spun live by Ethan Marosz, tours of the building, and spirited conversation. For a visual glimpse into the evening, read our story A Night at The Armory.
Our conversation explores the Emberton’s path to purchasing the condemned building, its curious history as a shooting range, recreation facility, and wedding venue, and the future of the surrounding district.
“New Armory Rises 10-14-1928” in the South Bend News-Times
February 2, 1939 South Bend Tribune photo about the Works Progress Administration’s remodeling of the armory.
December 2, 1928 South Bend Tribune article announcing a News Years Eve party to open the new armory.
September 11, 1966 South Bend Tribune article about The Armory’s first season as Newman Recreation Center.
The Armory’s main entrance before restoration.
The Armory’s rear entrance before restoration.
Inside The Armory’s main entrance before restoration.
The Armory’s gymnasium, now the event hall, before restoration.
The Armory’s office before restoration.
A room inside The Armory’s, now the bar, before restoration.
The Armory’s shooting range and vehicle storage, now the wine bar, before restoration.
The Armory’s bathroom before restoration.
The Armory’s main entrance restored.
The Armory’s main entrance restored.
The Armory’s bar post-restoration.
The Armory’s gymnasium transformed into an event space.
The Armory’s shooting range and vehicle storage transformed into Ironhand Wine Bar.