It is now official. The Illinois National Guard Wednesday afternoon handed over the keys to the former Armory location at 1522 Porter Avenue to the city of Lawrenceville during a transitional ceremony. Adjunct Major General Richard Neely made the presentation to Mayor David Courtney and remarked that he was glad the facility would continue to benefit the citizens of Lawrenceville. The Armory was dedicated in October of 1939 and served as a training facility until 2022 when the local guard unit was transferred to Joliet in a military consolidation. Over the years, the armory was maintained and renovated and is in good shape. That along with the building location led the city of Lawrenceville to pursue taking it over. Legislation was passed in the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Governor J.B. Pritzger to allow the Illinois Department of Military Affairs to transfer the property to the city for it’s use. Mayor Courtney indicated that it is now being looked at as a community recreational and multi-purpose center and is open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. The city is currently looking at hiring a manager to oversee and run the building.