State seeks RFP for Pk Ave armory.

The site of numerous art and antiques shows, and of fundraisers for social causes dear to the hearts of its resident neighbors, Park Avenue's 120-year old Seventh Regiment Armory will soon be the subject of an RFP by New York State.

The approximately 150,000 square-foot building, 66th and 67th, between Park and Lexington Avenues, is comprised of a 90,000 square-foot head house and drill hall of 55,000 square feet, is a National and New York City Land mark, inside and out.

The drill shed runs a whopping 187 by 290 feet and has an 80-foot high roof supported by a truss system, making it one of the largest, non-columned spaces in the US.

Its smaller interiors include rooms designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Stanford White and other firms at the time. The building runs to Lexington Avenue.

The Seventh Regiment of Manhattan was formed in 1806 as a descendent of colonial militias and along with the Revolutionary War, participated in the War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars.

Because of its socially prominent members, it was originally called the "Silk Stocking Regiment." Of course, today, that area around 643 Park Avenue and the Upper East Side is known as the Silk Stocking District.

The city leased the land to the group in 1874 and the building was designed by Charles W. Clinton and was constructed from 1877 to 1879 in the design of a medieval fortress.

The Seventh Regiment Armory Conservancy is among those that are expected to make proposals for the property. Its board includes Kent Barwick president of the Municipal Art Society and Elihu Rose, who is a developer and military historian.

That group expects to propose continuing and enhancing the current scheme of exhibitions and events.

Ownership of millions of dollars in artifacts inside the structure are being fought over by the state and the Seventh Regiment Fund. A legal case was recently dismissed on a technical ground and the state plans to appeal.

The Armory is also on a list of the most endangered World Monuments by the World Monuments Fund because there are many structural problems and leaks that need to be addressed. "It's a complex building and needs a complex solution," said a spokesperson.

While other bidders have not yet come forward, its non-columned space make it ideal for uses that could include studios, gymnasiums, an ice or roller rink, or even theaters and rides. It currently houses a rifle club and other groups.