The yellow-brick Durham Armory at Foster Street and the Morgan Street segment of the Downtown Loop was built between 1935 and 1937 under auspices of the federal Public Works Administration. It incorporated a 1910 open-air food market, enclosing the space and adding square towers at the corners.

Originally built as headquarters for Durham's National Guard unit, the Armory also served as a civic center, hosting banquets, concerts and the annual Debutante Ball. The city-owned building remains available for public events.