New National Guard armory coming to McMinnville

The Tennessee Military Department has broken ground on a new National Guard readiness center along Manchester Highway in McMinnville. The new facility replaces the McMinnville National Guard Armory that has been the home of the Manchester-based unit for more than 60 years. Originally built in in 1957, the 11,200-square-foot armory is presently the oldest and smallest armory in the Tennessee National guard. The new facility will be 33,000 square feet and provide modern administrative, training, supply, and storage rooms with energy-efficient equipment and other green features to reduce operating costs. It also provides adequate parking for Soldiers, visitors, and the unit’s tactical equipment. The readiness center will also have a 5,600 square foot vehicle maintenance building.