[1] Its distinctive yellow bricks, crenellated turrets, and decorative stonework mark it as a historically significant building and neighborhood icon.

[2] The armory was built with a steel-truss frame, a large open central hall and two towers with a total of 165,000 square feet (15,300 m2) of space.

After the state passed tax incentives to encourage filming in Rhode Island the armory served a brief stint as a sound stage.

In 2004 a proposed bond issue to finance renovation and restoration of the armory was placed on the ballot and supported by the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, but did not pass.

A small part of the building on the Parade Street side is occupied by the State of Rhode Island Fire Marshal and Bomb Squad, the main hall is used for storage.

[8] The Cranston Street Armory has lent its name to the surrounding area of Providence's West End, which is often known as the "Broadway–Armory Historic District."

In July 2020, mayor Jorge Elorza held an outdoor ceremony in Dexter Training Ground where he signed an executive order to come up with a "truth-telling and reparations process" in Providence.