Armory Performing Arts Center

Built in 1921 following a standard design by John James Huddart, the State Armory in Brighton is unique. One of 12 in Colorado using Huddart’s blueprint (and one of only 3 left standing), the Armory was built of 33,000 hydrastone blocks manufactured in Brighton. Upon its dedication and opening in 1922, the building was used to store arms and military equipment, and to serve as the headquarters for Company K, 157th Infantry of the Colorado National Guard. The main floor of the building included a drill hall that could be used as a public auditorium, a kitchen, and a stage. The second floor housed a reception room and dressing room; the basement was used not only for arms storage and curiously, had a swimming pool with dressing rooms for both men and women!