The Historic "Memorial" Armory Auditorium, also known on the National Register of Historic Buildings as the "ROCK GYM", has been saved from demolition. The Elbert County Historical Society has been seeking "friends" of the old Armory Building to help restore it.  "Friends", so far, have attained a Georgia Department of Transportation TEA-21 Grant of $500,000 to restore the building. There is another grant being written now for more funds, and presently the Elbert County Historical Society is planning a fund raising drive to obtain more funds.  It is estimated over one million dollars will be needed to complete the restoration. 

The plans are to restore the building for large group presentations, expositions, and regional conventions. The lower floor where the National Guard Motor Pool was stationed will be converted into a Transportation National Guard Museum and Heritage Museum.  As you may know, the 214th Regiment was mobilized into the regular Army before WWII began and remained on duty until after the war ended August, 1945. After October 1939, the units became Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 214th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA). Elberton also hosted Battery "G", 214th  Coast Artillery. 

The plans are to stabilize the building by restoring the curved roof, the windows, the gutters, the flat roof in front, and re-doing the utilities. If any money is left over from the GDOT grant, the bathrooms will be redone. The gym is expected to accommodate crowds up to 700 during regional conventions, fish and game shows, boat shows, town hall meetings and other large group meetings. 

Phase II restoration/construction:  The upper offices underneath the flat roof, the main auditorium, the stage, the ceiling and rafters will be restored.  Also the heating and air-conditioning systems for the main auditorium will be installed and the heating and air-conditioning system for the upper offices will be installed.

Phase III restoration/construction: The lower floor - stairs, individual bays, rooms, and bathrooms will be restored/remodeled and preparations made to install the Museum - Transportation National Guard  and Heritage Museum.

Phase IV:  Equip the Museum.  The Elbert County Historical Society will have a fund raiser to acquire the museum furniture. 

Phase V: Install the Museum.  Develop plans for  using the main auditorium with the Elbert County Board of Commissioners, the Elbert County Board of Education, the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Elberton, and the Elbert County Granite Association.

 Present Condition of Memorial Armory Auditorium