The Armory was designed by prominent area architect James H. Gow, originally in a design that was meant to be made of brick. However, cost-cutting measures led the Guard to switch the building to a free and plentiful local resource, cobblestone, which would make the building more distinctive and famous. 3,300 wagonloads weighing 6,600 tons were hauled by Lawrence W. Billis from Clear Creek to this site, and as it rose some locals predicted it would collapse. However, it has remained standing for over 90 years to this day.