Phased Development Proposed to Rehabilitate Fort Hancock
Gateway National Recreation Area has proposed a phased approach for redevelopment of the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark. Phase one is expected to be launched this fall. This Landmark lies within the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Until 1974 it was an active army base. Many of the distinctive brick buildings were built just after the Spanish-American War.
“Our objective is to save historic buildings and to create a newly revived community at Fort Hancock that will serve the needs of park visitors and the local community,” said Jennifer T. Nersesian, park superintendent. “While time is of the essence in saving these buildings, a thoughtful phased approach is the most sustainable in the long run and will guide future rehabilitation.”
The park will issue three Requests for Proposals (RFP), with each offering two buildings for adaptive re-use. One RFP will be focused on buildings to be used by not-for-profit organizations; one will seek bids from entities that will operate bed-and-breakfasts, and one will offer buildings for residential use. In addition, the park also plans to invest its own resources in the renovation of one additional officers’ row building that would serve as a potential example for the reconstruction process.
A Request for Expressions of Interest issued last fall yielded 41 formal responses and has helped Gateway devise a map identifying locations for proposed uses in the fort. This phased RFP approach reflects the areas of interest shown in those responses to the RFEI.
“As the co-chair of the Fort Hancock 21st Century Advisory Committee, I feel the park’s proposed plan will revive Fort Hancock into a viable, vibrant community,” said John Reynolds. “This plan creates a rare opportunity to derive a substantial individual benefit, and make an enduring public contribution.”
These buildings must be renovated using the Department of Interior Secretary’s Standards. You can learn more about these standards at this link: http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/rehabilitation.htm. The park is committed to the preservation of cultural resources but will remain vigilant against any threat to its natural and recreational resources.
About Gateway National Recreation Area
Established in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area contains more than 26,000 acres of marshes, wildlife sanctuaries and recreational athletic facilities, miles of sandy beaches; indoor and outdoor classrooms; picnicking and camping areas, as well as historic structures and military installations, airfields, a lighthouse, and adjacent waters around New York harbor. The park offers a wide range of year round recreational opportunities in two states and in one of the most densely populated urban areas. Gateway is one of the ten most visited national parks in the country. For information about Gateway’s upcoming public programs, see the park’s Web site at http://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm. To join the conversation about Gateway, like us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Gatewaynps.