Vacant since 1994, the massive Kingsbridge Armory, one of the largest armories in the world, is on the verge of being transformed into a retail shopping mall. The Related Companies, the Armory’s well-connected and prolific developer, say the project, which will essentially be a building within a building will be one of the most challenging and complex New York City has ever seen.

It will also be the biggest development project in the Bronx whenever construction begins. Related and city officials estimate it will generate 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 1,200 retail jobs after it’s completed and up and running.

Related is buying the entire historically-landmarked building for a mere $5 million and is set to receive about $50 million in tax breaks and subsidies for the project. They will spend around $320 million to complete it.

Next week, on Tuesday, July 14, as part of the city’s land use review process, the volunteer members of Community Board 7, who represent the area where the Armory sits, will have an opportunity to vote on whether or not they support the project.

Questions remain. Most importantly: How will this enormous renovation project affect the surrounding community? And how will the community benefit from this project?

In this issue, the Norwood News attempts to answer these questions through a series of articles. Here’s a look at our extensive coverage:

• An Overview of the Armory Project
• The Latest Public Hearing on the Project
• World Peace at the Armory
• Will Armory Employees Make a Living?
• Editorial: New Boro Prez’s First Big Test
• Plan Sets Up Supermarket War