City may buy SLO County National Guard armory. Here’s how it could be used
Thanks to a new state law, Atascadero will soon be able to buy a historical site within the city limits.
Since 1952, the Atascadero Armory has been both a depot for the California National Guard and a site frequently rented out for community events.
The state-owned property spans four acres at 6501 Olmeda Ave., which has been used for military exercises since before Atascadero was even founded.
Senate Bill 855, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month, authorized the sale of seven state armory properties, including the Atascadero Armory.
Before the bill was signed, the state mandated that the properties be sold to affordable housing developers — which has happened at other armory locations. Now, the new law gives local cities priority purchasing rights over the for-sale armories.
Though Atascadero has the first dibs to purchase the armory, spokesperson Terrie Banish told The Tribune that the city has not yet made a decision and plans to discuss the possibility in early 2026.
The city is currently leasing the armory to use as a temporary fire station while the main station is closed for construction next year, Banish said.
City Councilmember Seth Peek predicts the city will acquire the armory and begin negotiations while it is under lease.
“It’s pretty much like a prime location downtown, already attached to one of our main parks,” Peek told The Tribune. “I can’t speak to what the city will end up doing with it, but if I had my druthers, I would be inclined to expand our recreational and our community center.”
