MADISON, Minn. — The Minnesota Army National Guard will be ending operations and use of its armory in Madison in the coming year.

The news came as a surprise to city of Madison and Lac qui Parle County officials. The city has been working with the National Guard on a proposal to build a new facility on a property the city acquired north of town.

“Unfortunate” is how Madison Mayor Maynard Meyer described the news of the pending closure.

The distinctive armory with a castle-like turret has been a prominent fixture of Madison’s downtown since it was built in 1914. It has been remodeled and updated in recent years, with an elevator installed and other improvements to provide accessibility for people with disabilities, according to the mayor.

The city and county received a letter in Septe

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