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Riverside approves 25‑year Armory lease to Thompson Brewery; $1.5M federal grant to ready building
Summary
Council approved a 25‑year lease to Thompson Brewery for the Fairmount Park Armory, supported by a $1.5 million federal grant to bring the building up to code and $1 million for pickleball courts behind the Armory; Thompson will complete tenant improvements and the city will manage design/build work to prepare the site.
The Riverside City Council unanimously approved on Jan. 6 a 25‑year lease agreement to bring Thompson Brewery into the historic Armory building at Fairmount Park and to support adjacent park activations.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Pamela Grama said the agreement includes two years of rent abatement while the city performs shell and code‑upgrade work. The city has obtained a $1,500,000 federal grant to fund ADA restrooms, kitchen rough‑ins and other infrastructure improvements; an additional $1,000,000 is budgeted for pickleball court construction behind the Armory. Thompson will perform tenant improvements, including furniture, fixtures and equipment, and security systems.
Council members highlighted the Armory’s potential to anchor revitalization of Fairmount Park and to provide programming and jobs. Council Member Conder praised Thompson as an existing local business expanding into the park; Council Member Falcone asked staff to add interpretive signage about the Armory’s history.
A public commenter questioned lease details and whether tenant improvements guarantee the building will be code‑compliant within two years; staff agreed to follow up with the commenter.
Next steps: staff will proceed with a design‑build procurement for the city’s shell work, coordinate tenant improvement schedules with Thompson, and return with contract and signage details as needed.
