Historic Higgins Armory building for sale in Worcester

A historic Art Deco building in Worcester, Massachusetts, is now for sale. The John W. Higgins Armory building, located at 100 Barber Ave., was previously home to a museum that displayed suits of armor and weapons. The building is owned by ZJBV Properties, based in New Hampshire. A broker from the company, Brian Thibeault, confirmed that they are open to selling the building if someone is interested. The selling price is negotiable. Constructed in 1930, the John W. Higgins Armory building covers 42,000 square feet. Currently, 80% of its space is leased. The assessed value of the property is approximately $1.9 million, according to city records. The museum opened in 1931, founded by John Woodman Higgins, a collector of armor. His collection grew with encouragement from his wife, who urged him to find a space outside their home for it. The museum featured two wings — one highlighting ancient armor and the other showcasing modern metalwork. The Higgins collection, once the second largest of its kind in the Americas, included a variety of arms and armor from around the world. After the museum closed in 2013, its collection was moved to the Worcester Art Museum. In recent years, the building has been repurposed for events, including weddings and proms.