The Oregon National Guard To Host Ribbon-cutting Ceremony For Renovations At The Ashland Armory (Photo) - 08/24/26
MEDIA ADVISORY
OREGON MILITARY DEPARTMENT
SALEM, Ore. - A formal ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony marking the completion of renovations at the Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at 1420 E. Main Street, Ashland, Oregon.
Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, will preside over the event, joined by elected officials, City of Ashland representatives, and Oregon National Guard dignitaries.
In a historic 1911 special election, Ashland residents voted overwhelmingly (427 to 73) to tax themselves to help build the original armory designed by William C. Knighton, Oregon's first State Architect. The current Oregon Army National Guard Ashland Armory at 1420 E. Main Street was built in 1988 as a 22,620-square-foot facility and serves full-time and part–time traditional National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry.
“The very foundation of the Guard in Ashland was built on a community vote. Our current state-funded investment honors that 1911 spirit of local support,” Gronewold said.
The Armory Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) and Regional Emergency Enhancement Program (REEP) project was given approval and funding to move forward in 2023.
The updates to the armory include modernization of the building finishes, including interior and exterior paint, exterior wood accents, main entry foyer wood accents, new carpet, polished floors, stainless steel kitchen counters, and replacement of failing pavement and curbing in the parking lot. These improvements will ensure that Ashland Armory continues to serve as a cornerstone of training, readiness, and community engagement over the next 25 years.
Media representatives wishing to attend may contact Major Leslie Reed, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department. 503-990-0178
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Ashland Armory File Photo:
110305-Z-RW508-1002: Oregon Army National Guard Honor Guard prepares for the gun salute during the memorial service of retired Col. Christian P. Hald at the Ashland Army National Guard Armory, Ashland, Oregon, on March 5, 2011. (File Photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
