Originally built in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Armory features a stunning array of brickwork, terrazzo floors, and decorative iron. Soldiers from the National Guard that later became Company “A” of the 192nd Tank Battalion during World War II, a group also known as the “Janesville 99”, trained at the Armory prior to World War II. The facility served as a mustering center for these soldiers who were deployed to the Philippines in 1941 and ultimately forced into the infamous Bataan Death March.

In 2005, after several years of being vacant, the building’s exterior was preserved to retain its historical significance, while the interior was completely renovated to provide event spaces, private dining options and meeting spaces.

From 2006 to 2011 the Armory produced 23 separate professional musicals in the 230 seat Drill Hall Theater. From 2012 to 2015 The Armory served guests for lunch and dinner in the Bunker Lounge and Lieutenant’s, however in 2015 the demand for this beautiful space mandated that those daily operations make way for even more amazing private and public events. In December 2015 it was announced that professional dinner theatre would make its return to downtown Janesville with Christmas at The Armory. Shortly thereafter it was announced that a full season on professional theatre would be available each year beginning in 2016.

The history of The Armory is palpable and present to all who pass through its doors, but that history is still being written. We invite you to become a part of writing the next chapter at The Armory.